Subsea Rotating Apparatus Self-Powered Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea pipeline inspection apparatuses face challenges in continuous power supply and accurate rotational position recording for rotating parts, particularly when operating at great depths, where cable connections are cumbersome and prone to failure, and the apparatus must withstand high pressure while maintaining compactness.
Innovation Solution
A subsea apparatus with a motor on a static part and a generator on a rotating part, using mechanical toothed wheels for power transfer, allowing continuous rotation and accurate rotational position detection, and incorporating power storage for emergency operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to power the rotating part, then the apparatus can be rotated continuously without cable connections, but the battery has limited capacity and must be recharged periodically, ceasing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating part generates its own power through a generator driven by the rotation itself, eliminating the need for external recharging. The system serves its own power needs by converting mechanical energy from rotation into electrical energy to power the detectors and electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the periodic rotational motion into continuous electrical power generation. Each rotation cycle of the second part drives the generator to produce electricity, creating a continuous power supply as long as rotation continues.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cable connections are used to power the rotating part, then power can be supplied continuously, but the apparatus must stop and reverse direction, increasing wear and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power supply function from the stationary first part and relocates it to the rotating second part through a generator. This eliminates the need for cable connections between stationary and rotating parts, allowing continuous rotation without stopping for cable management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic power generation system. Instead of transmitting power mechanically through cables, the system uses the generator to convert rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy on the rotating part itself.
3Stress or pressure
If the apparatus size is increased to withstand high pressure, then the apparatus can operate at greater depths, but the force from water pressure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two separate parts: a stationary first part and a rotating second part. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for pressure resistance, with the rotating part being more compact since it doesn't need to support the entire apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large pressure-resistant structure to a distributed system where the rotating part can be smaller and lighter, relying on the stationary part for primary structural support against water pressure.
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
Enables continuous, robust power transfer and accurate rotational position recording without cable limitations, facilitating extended scanning operations and emergency recovery in high-pressure subsea environments.
Implementation Method 1
A generator mounted on the second part and having a drive member linked to a drive mechanism that drives the drive member on rotation of the second part such that rotation of the second part relative to the first part drives the generator to generate power for the electrically powered components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A subsea apparatus (1, 201) is disclosed. The subsea apparatus (1, 201) comprises a first part (2, 202) and a second part (3, 203) rotatably mounted on the first part (2, 202). The second part (3, 203) comprises electrically powered components (16). A motor (8, 208) is mounted on the first part (2, 202) and configured to drive rotation of the second part (3, 203) relative to the first part (2, 202). The apparatus also comprises a generator (12, 212) mounted on the second part (3, 203) such that rotation of the second part (3, 203) relative to the first part (2, 202) drives the generator (12, 212) to generate power for the electrically powered components (16). A method of providing power to a rotating part of a subsea apparatus (1, 201) is also disclosed.