Rigid Submarine Cable Joint for Multi-Core to Single-Core DC Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of connectors or joints on the market that can effectively connect a multi-core DC dynamic submarine power cable to a static submarine power cable on the seabed, necessitating two sets of buoyancy units and increased water column usage.
Innovation Solution
A rigid submarine power cable joint with a single opening for a multi-core dynamic submarine power cable and two openings for single core submarine power cables, featuring armour attachment structures for secure connection and a design that allows for jointing between multi-core and single core cables, including an optional optical fibre connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate dynamic DC submarine power cables are used (one for each electric pole), then each cable can be independently designed and installed, but the system requires two sets of buoyancy units, anchoring, bend stiffeners, and other components, increasing device complexity and water column usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate single-core DC power cables into a single multi-core dynamic submarine power cable. The outer casing integrates multiple cable cores, sharing common buoyancy units, anchoring systems, and bend stiffeners, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining DC system configurability
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-core dynamic submarine power cable serves multiple functions within a single structure: it carries multiple DC power cores, shares common protective and supporting components (buoyancy units, anchoring, bend stiffeners), and provides a unified interface for connection to offshore structures and seabed infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate dynamic DC submarine power cables are used, then each cable can be independently managed, but the system takes up a larger water column space
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate single-core DC cables into one multi-core cable, the system occupies a smaller water column area. The combined cable structure consolidates the spatial footprint while maintaining the ability to configure DC power transmission systems
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional connectors or joints are used for connecting dynamic and static submarine power cables, then existing technology can be applied, but no suitable connectors exist for multi-core DC dynamic cables to single-core static cables on the seabed
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid submarine power cable joint acts as an intermediary component that bridges the multi-core DC dynamic submarine power cable and the single-core static submarine power cable on the seabed. This specialized joint enables connection between incompatible cable types and configurations that no existing standard connector can accommodate
Solution Approach 2:
The jointing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the rigid joint structure itself, the armour attachment structures for securing cables, and the sealing mechanisms. This segmentation allows for specialized design of each component to handle the specific requirements of multi-core to single-core transitions
4Reliability
If a rigid submarine power cable joint with armour attachment structures is used, then secure and waterproof connections are ensured, but the joint structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid joint applies armour attachment structures locally at specific points where cables enter and exit the joint. This localized approach provides necessary mechanical security and waterproofing at critical interfaces without requiring complex structures throughout the entire joint, balancing reliability with structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A rigid submarine power cable joint including: an outer casing having a first axial end face and a second axial end face at an opposite axial end of the outer casing relative to the first axial end face, wherein the first axial end face includes a single opening configured to receive a multi-core dynamic submarine power cable, and wherein the second axial end face includes two openings, each configured to receive a respective single core submarine power cable.