Submarine Cable Core Split Layout for Landfall Heat Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Submarine power cables face thermal bottlenecks at landfall due to inefficient heat transfer, limiting their power capacity, and existing solutions like increasing conductor size or using copper materials have limitations.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage or extra high voltage submarine power cable system comprising a three-core cable connected to three single-core cables via a rigid joint, with improved cooling and reduced AC losses, using polymeric materials and non-magnetic armour wires, allowing for increased power capacity without increasing conductor size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the conductor size is increased to improve power capacity, then the power capacity increases, but the amount of cable material increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the three-core cable into three separate single-core cables. This segmentation allows each cable to be cooled independently and efficiently, particularly at the landfall section where thermal bottlenecks occur. By separating the cores, each cable can dissipate heat more effectively to the surrounding soil, enabling higher current density and power capacity without increasing the overall material quantity.
2Power
If copper conductor material is used instead of aluminium to improve power capacity, then the power capacity increases, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different thermal management conditions to different sections of the cable system. At the landfall section where thermal bottlenecks occur, the single-core cables are buried deeper and have better thermal contact with the soil, creating locally optimized cooling conditions. This allows the use of lighter aluminium conductors while achieving the same or better thermal performance as copper would provide in less optimized conditions.
3Power
If the conductor size is increased to improve power capacity, then the power capacity increases, but the installation complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the three-core cable into three single-core cables, the invention actually simplifies certain aspects of installation. The smaller individual cables are more flexible and easier to handle during installation. They can be routed through existing conduits more easily and require less space in cable trenches. The segmentation also allows for independent installation of each cable, which can simplify the installation process compared to handling a large three-core cable as a single unit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the maximum power capacity of submarine power cables by improving cooling efficiency and reducing AC losses, enabling reduced material usage while maintaining the original power rating.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling of the three single core submarine power cables by the surroundings is improved at landfall
Implementation Method 2
a rigid joint connecting each power core of the three-core submarine power cable to a respective one of the single core submarine power cables
Data Source
AI summary
A high voltage, HV, or extra high voltage, EHV, submarine power cable system including: a three-core submarine power cable including three stranded power cores, each including a respective conductor and an insulation system arranged around the conductor, including an inner semiconducting layer, an insulation layer including a first polymeric material, and an outer semiconducting layer, three single core submarine power cables, each including a respective conductor and insulation system arranged around the conductor, including an inner semiconducting layer, an insulation layer including the first polymeric material, and an outer semiconducting layer, and a rigid joint connecting each power core of the three-core submarine power cable to a respective one of the single core submarine power cables.