Subsea High-Voltage Feedthrough Insulator Metallization Against Corona

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Solution Overview

Problem

Subsea high voltage penetrators face challenges with local corona discharges that can damage insulating materials like cross polymerized polyethyls, leading to loss of insulating properties and potential short circuits, especially due to the large dielectric constant of ceramics causing potential leaps on the surface.

Innovation Solution

Metallizing the inward surfaces of the ceramic insulators in subsea high voltage penetrators to reduce partial corona discharges, improving the insulating capability and rupture strength by creating an electrically conducting path between the conductor and the ceramic surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ceramic insulators with large dielectric constant are used in high voltage penetrators, then insulating capability is improved, but potential leaps on the surface cause corona discharges that damage insulating materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulating capabilityVSAvoidcorona discharges

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a conducting layer specifically to the inward surface of the ceramic insulator where potential leaps occur due to the large dielectric constant. This localized treatment addresses the corona discharge problem at the critical surface region without changing the bulk insulating properties of the ceramic material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A conducting layer is introduced as an intermediary between the central conductor and the ceramic insulator surface. This intermediate layer eliminates potential leaps by providing a gradual potential transition, thereby preventing corona discharges while maintaining the insulating capability of the ceramic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If polymer insulating materials are used in penetrators, then electrical insulation is achieved, but they are broken down by discharges leading to loss of insulating properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidservice life of insulating material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the conducting layer to convert the harmful effect of potential leaps into a beneficial gradual potential transition. This eliminates corona discharges that would otherwise damage polymer insulating materials, thereby extending their service life while maintaining electrical insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The conducting layer is applied beforehand to protect the polymer insulating material from corona discharges. This preventive measure cushions the polymer material against discharge damage before it can occur, ensuring long-term reliability of the insulating system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If metallic bonding technologies are combined with ceramic insulators, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverupture strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure combining ceramic insulator, conducting layer, and metallic components through metallic bonding technologies. This composite approach improves rupture strength by integrating materials with complementary mechanical properties while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 metallization of inward surfaces in subsea high voltage penetrators effectively reduces partial corona discharges, enhancing the insulating properties and mechanical strength of modern ceramics, thereby preventing damage to insulating materials and ensuring reliable electrical power transmission.

Implementation Method 1

metallizing the inward surfaces of the ceramic insulators in subsea high voltage penetrators to reduce partial corona discharges, improving the insulating capability and rupture strength by creating an electrically conducting path between the conductor and the ceramic surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (electrical): Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The relative permittivity, also referred to as the dielectric constant, for ceramics is very large. This leads to large potential leap at those parts of the surface of the penetrator that are located close to the central conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS11848121B2High voltage electric power feed-through apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 SENTECH AS

AI summary

An electrical feed-through apparatus is prevents or substantially reduces partial corona discharges in penetrators for high voltage supply for underwater facilities. A flange of a first thickness has an opening providing a passage between first and second oppositely located sides of the flange. An elongated tube of a solid, electrically insulating material has a first length greater than the first thickness, and is positioned in the passage, with first and second parts of the tube protruding from the first and second sides of the flange, respectively. First and second attachment sleeves are positioned on the tube and are attached to the first and second parts of the tube, respectively, at a distance from respective first and second ends of the tube. The sleeves are attached to the respective first and second oppositely located sides of the flange.