Subsea Data Transmission Cable With Intermediate Conversion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea data transmission technologies face limitations in distance, complexity, and reliability due to the need for bulky optical connectors and the challenge of maintaining communication links between different subsea valve trees and onshore sites while preventing damage from vibrations and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A subsea data transmission cable system comprising a first electrical data line section, a second fiber optic data line section, and an intermediate conversion assembly that converts electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa, using a pressure-balanced liquid-filled hose to maintain reliability and extend communication distances while simplifying connections and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If fiber optic transmission is used to extend communication distance, then communication distance is improved, but connector complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into two distinct sections: an electrical cable section for short-distance connections and a fiber optic section for long-distance transmission. The intermediate conversion assembly separates the electrical-to-optical conversion function from the connectors, allowing each section to use optimized connection types without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate conversion assembly is introduced as a mediator between the electrical and fiber optic sections. This assembly performs signal conversion and houses protection mechanisms, enabling the system to achieve long communication distances through fiber optics while maintaining simple electrical connectors at the subsea equipment interface.
2Strength
If electrical connectors are made larger to handle increased forces, then mechanical strength is improved, but handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mechanical strength requirements from the handling requirements by dividing the connection system into two parts: simple electrical connectors for easy handling and a protected intermediate conversion assembly for mechanical strength. This segmentation allows small connectors to be used at the subsea equipment where handling is critical.
3Strength
If connector weight is increased to improve structural integrity, then structural integrity is improved, but vibration damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the structural integrity requirements from the vibration-sensitive components. The intermediate conversion assembly, which contains the optical components and conversion electronics, is protected and isolated from vibration-prone areas, while the electrical connectors remain lightweight. This segmentation allows the system to achieve structural integrity without exposing sensitive components to vibration damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate conversion assembly acts as a protected intermediary that shields the optical conversion components from vibrations. By housing these sensitive components in a protected enclosure and positioning them away from vibration sources, the system maintains structural integrity while protecting against vibration damage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical connectors are made wet-mateable for subsea use, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical-to-electrical conversion function from the connector itself and places it in a separate intermediate conversion assembly. This extraction allows the use of simple electrical connectors at the subsea equipment interface, eliminating the need for complex wet-mateable optical connectors while maintaining the ability to establish communication links in subsea environments.
5Length of stationary object
If communication distance is extended beyond 100m, then communication distance is improved, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission for long-distance sections. By converting electrical signals to optical signals at the intermediate conversion assembly and using fiber optic cables for long-distance transmission, the system overcomes the 100m limitation of electrical cables while maintaining signal integrity and reliability through the superior transmission characteristics of optical fibers.
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 enables high-bandwidth communication over long distances, reduces the risk of damage from vibrations, and improves the reliability and lifespan of communication links, allowing for efficient data transmission between subsea installations and onshore sites with reduced system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid filled hose is pressure compensated against the ambient external pressure at depth, so that the pressure inside the hose is substantially equal to the external pressure
Implementation Method 2
The conversion device is configured to convert an electrical data signal received at the electrical interface to an optical data signal for transmission via the optical interface, and to convert an optical data signal received at the optical interface to an electrical data signal for transmission via the electrical interface
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea data transmission cable for providing data communication with a subsea device installed at the ocean floor is provided. The subsea data transmission cable includes a first section including at least one electrical data line and a second section including at least one fiber optic data line. An intermediate conversion assembly is provided. The at least one electrical data line and the at least one fiber optic data line are terminated at the intermediate conversion assembly. A conversion device is disposed in a chamber of the intermediate conversion assembly. The conversion device includes an electrical interface connected to the at least one electrical data line and an optical interface connected to the at least one fiber optic data line. The conversion device is configured to convert an electrical data signal received at the electrical interface to an optical data signal for transmission via the optical interface and vice versa.