Submarine Cable Transition Structure for Lower Onshore Thermal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Submarine cables face challenges in balancing high electrical power transmission with mechanical stability and environmental protection, leading to thermal losses due to ohmic and eddy currents, which are exacerbated when transitioning from underwater to onshore installations, limiting maximum power transmission capacity.
Innovation Solution
A submarine cable system with two sections: one underwater with reinforcement and insulation, and one onshore without, using a transition piece to maintain uninterrupted energy lines and reduce thermal losses by removing reinforcement and outer insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic reinforcement is provided in the submarine cable to ensure mechanical stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal losses increase due to eddy currents in the reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The submarine cable is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with metallic reinforcement for mechanical protection in the underwater environment, and a second section without metallic reinforcement for reduced thermal losses in the onshore cable duct. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural configurations are applied to different sections of the cable based on local requirements. The first section (underwater) has metallic reinforcement for mechanical strength, while the second section (onshore) lacks metallic reinforcement to minimize eddy current losses. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between mechanical strength and thermal efficiency.
2Temperature
If the submarine cable is installed underwater or in the seabed, then cooling efficiency is improved, but adaptability to onshore installations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into an underwater portion that benefits from water cooling and an onshore portion adapted for cable duct installation. The transition piece enables this segmentation, allowing the cable to maintain effective cooling in both environments despite the different installation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable structure is locally adapted to match the installation environment. The first section is designed for underwater deployment with appropriate cooling characteristics, while the second section is configured for onshore cable duct installation. This local adaptation maintains cooling efficiency across both environments.
3Power
If the cable cross-section is increased to carry higher electrical power, then current carrying capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the cable cross-section to handle higher power, the invention changes the thermal management parameters by removing metallic reinforcement in the onshore section. This reduces eddy current losses and improves heat dissipation, allowing higher current carrying capacity without increasing the physical cable dimensions or structural complexity.
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
Enhances current carrying capacity and reduces thermal losses by eliminating eddy currents and improving cooling efficiency, allowing continuous subsea and underground laying without temperature issues.
Implementation Method 1
when the submarine cable is used as an AC line, induced currents occur within the reinforcement due to the metallic reinforcement. These induced eddy currents also generate ohmic losses in the reinforcement.
Implementation Method 2
The thermal losses along the submarine cable are usually well dissipated by the surrounding water and/or the seabed
Implementation Method 3
The thermal losses along the submarine cable are usually well dissipated by the surrounding water and/or the seabed
Implementation Method 4
The plastic tube results in additional thermal insulation of the submarine cable.
Implementation Method 5
featuring a transition piece that removes the reinforcement and outer insulation to minimize eddy currents and enhance thermal convection
Data Source
AI summary
A submarine cable system includes a submarine cable with two energy lines between two distal ends. An energy line includes a stranded wire and an insulation layer surrounding the stranded wire. The two energy lines are guided in a common metallic reinforcement surrounded by an outer insulation layer. A first section of the submarine cable is formed starting from a first of the distal ends of the submarine cable to a transition region. A second section is formed starting from the transition region to a second of the distal ends of the submarine cable. A sleeve-shaped transition piece has through opening with the transition region disposed within the through opening. A cable duct has an opening formed to receive the transition piece such that an outer shell surface of the transition piece abuts an inner shell surface of the cable duct in the region of the opening.