Subsea Induction Coupler Layout for Radially Offset Heating Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of subsea heating systems for heating subsea components like pipelines is challenging due to difficulties in positioning electrical conductors without excessive bending, especially when connecting components that are radially offset along the longitudinal direction.
Innovation Solution
A subsea heating apparatus with an induction coupler featuring multiple windings around magnetic core rings, allowing for easier positioning of electrical conductors along the longitudinal direction by distributing second core parts in distinct radial positions, facilitating attachment to subsea components and reducing the need for excessive cable bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a subsea heating set with induction coupler is used to heat subsea pipelines, then heating function is achieved, but installation becomes difficult due to positioning requirements of electrical conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coupler is divided into an upper section with first core parts and a lower section with second core parts. This segmentation allows the electrical conductors to be positioned in distinct radial locations, making installation easier by accommodating radial misalignments between successive pipeline sections without requiring excessive cable bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radial positioning of multiple core parts around the longitudinal axis as an additional dimension for conductor placement. Instead of requiring conductors to follow a straight longitudinal path, the radial distribution of core parts (at different angular positions) allows conductors to be routed through multiple radial positions, adding flexibility to the installation process.
2Reliability
If electrical conductors are positioned along the longitudinal direction without excessive bending, then cable integrity is maintained, but connection to radially offset components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lower section contains multiple second core parts distributed at distinct radial positions around the longitudinal direction. This segmentation allows each conductor to be independently positioned at its optimal radial location, maintaining cable integrity by avoiding sharp bends while adapting to radial offsets between successive pipeline sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the first section to be rotated or repositioned relative to the second section, enabling the upper and lower sections to be aligned in different angular orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the heating set to accommodate various radial misalignments while maintaining proper electrical connections.
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 easier installation and efficient heating of subsea components by allowing flexible positioning of electrical conductors, accommodating radial misalignments and reducing installation complexity, while maintaining effective heat transfer and power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first core part which is magnetic being configured to be coupled with at least one respective second core part which is magnetic to form at least one magnetic core ring, each magnetic core ring being adapted to surround a respective carrying electrical conductor
Implementation Method 2
the induction coupler includes several windings, each winding being wound around a respective second core part and being connected to one or several respective component electrical cable(s)
Implementation Method 3
each component electrical cable being adapted to receive power from the electric power source via the induction coupler and to heat the subsea component by electric dissipation when receiving power
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a subsea heating apparatus for heating a subsea component extending along a longitudinal direction, comprising an induction coupler including a first section with first core part(s) and a second section with second core parts, a respective first magnetic core part being coupled with a second magnetic core part to form a magnetic core ring adapted to surround an electrical conductor to be connected to a power source. At least one component electrical cable associated with the subsea component to be heated and adapted to receive power via the induction coupler for heating the subsea component. The coupler includes several windings each wound around a respective second core part and connected to respective component electrical cable(s). The second section is adapted to be attached to the subsea component and several second core parts are arranged in distinct radial positions around the longitudinal direction.