Subsea Cable Conductor Transition Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Deepwater subsea power transmission faces challenges due to high topside tension, which can lead to conductor overload and damage, especially in ultra-deep waters where hydrocarbon drilling and production require reliable electrical power for heating pipelines and operating equipment.
Innovation Solution
A subsea cable system with separate supply and return cables, combined through a conductor transition element with a Y- or T-shaped configuration, reduces conductor load by merging electrical phases before delivery to subsea devices, utilizing insulation and connector systems to ensure reliable power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coaxial subsea cable is used to transmit electrical power to subsea devices, then electrical power can be supplied to subsea equipment, but the weight of the cable causes high topside tension that can overload and damage the conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single coaxial cable into multiple separate supply cables and return cables. Each cable is independently routed and supported, distributing the mechanical load and reducing the topside tension on any single conductor. The conductors are segmented into multiple parallel paths that converge at the subsea device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs buoyancy elements attached to the cable system to counterbalance the weight of the cables extending to great depths. This reduces the effective tension on the conductors at the topside, preventing overload and damage while allowing the cables to reach ultra-deep water locations.
2Length of stationary object
If the cable depth is increased to reach ultra-deep water locations, then power can be supplied to deeper subsea devices, but the conductor load increases and risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor system is segmented into multiple parallel supply cables and return cables, distributing the electrical current and mechanical stress across multiple conductors. This reduces the load on each individual conductor, allowing the system to extend to ultra-deep waters without compromising conductor strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system uses composite construction with multiple conductor materials and protective layers. The conductors are composed of stranded copper or aluminum wires with protective sheathing and insulation layers, creating a composite structure that maintains electrical conductivity while resisting mechanical stress from extreme depths.
3Force
If separate supply and return cables are used instead of coaxial cable, then conductor load is reduced, but cable system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into modular supply cables and return cables that can be independently installed and maintained. Each cable follows a standardized design with consistent insulation and protection layers, reducing the complexity of individual components while allowing flexible configuration for different depth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple supply cables and return cables are merged into a single integrated cable system with common insulation and protection layers. The cables are bundled together with spacing elements and protective sheathing, creating a unified structure that simplifies installation and handling while maintaining the electrical separation needed to reduce conductor load.
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 system effectively manages cable weight and conductor load, preventing damage while ensuring reliable electrical power delivery to subsea equipment, including pipelines for direct electrical heating, even at extreme depths.
Implementation Method 1
the conductor element of the first supply cable and the conductor element of the second supply cable being electrically connected in parallel to a third conductor leg of the conductor transition element
Implementation Method 2
A subsea cable system and a method for supplying electrical power to a subsea consumer device of electricity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A subsea cable system (10) for transfer of electric power to a subsea device is disclosed where the subsea cable system comprises a subsea cable (11) with a first end portion (26) and a second end portion (27). The first end portion (26) is adapted for connection to a supply of electrical energy. The subsea cable (11) comprises at least a first supply cable (21), a second supply cable (22) and at least one return cable (24, 25) where the first supply cable (21), the second supply cable (22) and the at least one return cable (24, 25) each comprises a conductor element (101, 102, 103, 104) for conduction of an electric current. The subsea cable system (10) further comprises a conductor transition element (66) comprising a conductor element (67) that is provided with at least a first conductor leg (73), a second conductor leg (74) and a third conductor leg (75). The first conductor leg (73) is connected to the conductor element (101) of the first supply cable (21), the second conductor leg (74) is connected to the conductor element (102) of the second supply cable (22) and the third conductor leg (75) is connected to conductor element (56) of an end supply cable (53) that is connectable to a consumer device (46). A method for supplying electrical power to a subsea consumer device of electricity is also disclosed.