Subsea Capacitor Assembly Pressure Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea capacitors face challenges in maintaining sufficient interlayer pressure under high ambient pressure conditions, leading to reduced lifetime and potential self-healing inefficiencies due to deformation and material property differences in polypropylene dielectric film and metal spray contact surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor support system with a pressure generating module using plate-shaped leaf springs and a guiding pin mechanism to maintain interlayer pressure above critical levels, absorbing height changes and ensuring even pressure distribution across capacitors, thereby promoting self-healing and stability under high ambient pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capacitor is exposed to high ambient pressure in subsea environment, then the capacitor structure is compressed and deformed, but the interlayer pressure decreases below critical level leading to reduced lifetime and self-healing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-compressing the capacitor stack with a compression force before exposing it to high ambient pressure. The compression device exerts a preliminary compressive force on the capacitor stack, creating initial interlayer pressure that counteracts the decompressive effect of subsequent high ambient pressure exposure. This preliminary action ensures that even when ambient pressure increases, the interlayer pressure remains above the critical threshold needed for reliable operation and self-healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the anti-weight principle by using a compression device that generates a counteracting compressive force against the decompressive effect of high ambient pressure. The compression force acts as a counterweight to the pressure-induced separation of capacitor layers, maintaining the necessary interlayer contact pressure. This counterbalancing force ensures that the interlayer pressure does not drop below the critical level despite the high ambient pressure environment.
2Stress or pressure
If the ambient pressure increases to maintain subsea depth, then the capacitor is compressed and deformed, but the deformation reduces interlayer pressure and affects capacitor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-compressing the capacitor stack with a compression force before exposing it to high ambient pressure. The compression device exerts a preliminary compressive force on the capacitor stack, creating initial interlayer pressure that counteracts the decompressive effect of subsequent high ambient pressure exposure. This preliminary action ensures that even when ambient pressure increases, the interlayer pressure remains above the critical threshold needed for reliable operation and self-healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using an adjustable compression device that can dynamically adapt to changing ambient pressure conditions. The compression force is not fixed but can be modified to maintain optimal interlayer pressure as ambient pressure varies with depth. This dynamic adjustment ensures continuous reliable performance despite changing pressure conditions in the subsea environment.
3Length of moving object
If the capacitor structure is compressed under high ambient pressure, then the height of capacitor stack decreases, but the interlayer pressure becomes insufficient for proper capacitor function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-compressing the capacitor stack with a compression force before exposing it to high ambient pressure. The compression device exerts a preliminary compressive force on the capacitor stack, creating initial interlayer pressure that counteracts the decompressive effect of subsequent high ambient pressure exposure. This preliminary action ensures that even when ambient pressure increases, the interlayer pressure remains above the critical threshold needed for reliable operation and self-healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by actively controlling the compression force parameter to compensate for ambient pressure changes. The compression device adjusts the applied compressive force to maintain optimal interlayer pressure despite variations in ambient pressure and resulting height changes. This parameter control ensures that the capacitor maintains proper function even as its physical dimensions change under different pressure conditions.
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 effectively maintains interlayer pressure, enhances self-healing capabilities, and extends the lifespan of capacitors in high-pressure subsea environments by evenly distributing pressure and accommodating height variations, thus improving reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure generating module is able to absorb the reduced height of the capacitor stack while maintaining a high pressure on the stack of capacitors
Implementation Method 2
A capacitor support system with a pressure generating module using plate-shaped leaf springs and a guiding pin mechanism to maintain interlayer pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a subsea capacitor assembly having a capacitor support system (10). The capacitor support system comprises a support structure configured to support at least one capacitor (11), and a pressure generating module (100) configured to generate a pressure on the at least one capacitor. The pressure generating module comprises a bearing plate (30), a transmission plate (40), and at least one plate shaped leaf spring (300) provided between the bearing plate (30) and the pressure transmission plate (40). The pressure generating module is connected to the support structure by the bearing plate (30), wherein the bearing plate is fixedly connected to the connecting structure in such a way that it provides a bearing surface for the at least one leaf spring and keeps the at least one leaf spring in a compressed state between the bearing plate and the at least one capacitor.