Subsea High-Voltage Loop Cap for Continuity and Impedance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fully isolated dummy caps (FIDCs) for subsea electrical systems are limited in the types of tests they can perform, particularly at higher voltages, preventing comprehensive fault finding, condition monitoring, and data collection, and are unable to facilitate tests like continuity line resistance, bridge method testing, and vector impedance metering.
Innovation Solution
A loop cap design with terminals and a jumper providing electrical continuity between them, allowing for comprehensive testing and monitoring of subsea electrical systems, including continuity line resistance testing, bridge method testing, and vector impedance metering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fully isolated dummy cap (FIDC) is used for testing subsea electrical systems, then the cap provides basic test port functionality for certain types of tests, but the cap is unable to facilitate comprehensive testing including continuity line resistance testing, bridge method testing, and vector impedance metering
Solution Approach 1:
The loop cap is designed with multiple terminals (first terminal, second terminal, and additional terminals) that can accommodate various testing configurations. The jumper providing electrical continuity between terminals enables the cap to perform multiple test types including insulation resistance tests, TDR tests, VLF tests, continuity line resistance testing, bridge method testing, and vector impedance metering, making it a universal testing interface for subsea electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop cap divides the testing functionality into separate terminals that can be independently connected or disconnected. The jumper can be selectively connected between different terminal pairs to enable specific test types. This segmentation allows different measuring devices to be connected to different terminal combinations based on the required test, providing both specialized functionality and comprehensive coverage.
2Reliability
If existing FIDCs are used with direct current testing, then certain fault conditions can be detected, but the data obtained is limited and cannot indicate conditions downstream of subsea transformers with galvanic isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The loop cap serves as an intermediary device that can be positioned at strategic locations in the subsea electrical system. By providing multiple terminals and configurable jumper connections, the loop cap enables measuring devices to interface with both sides of galvanically isolated transformers, allowing condition monitoring data to be obtained from downstream equipment even when direct electrical connection is blocked by isolation barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop cap extends the testing capability from single-point DC testing to multi-point AC/DC testing across different electrical dimensions. The multiple terminals allow simultaneous or sequential testing of different phases and locations, providing a comprehensive view of system conditions that transcends the limitations of single-dimension DC testing through isolated transformers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a loop cap with multiple terminals and jumper is implemented, then comprehensive testing and monitoring capabilities are enabled, but the device complexity increases compared to existing FIDCs
Solution Approach 1:
The loop cap merges multiple testing functions into a single integrated device. Instead of requiring separate test ports or complex external wiring arrangements for different test types, the loop cap combines multiple terminals, jumper connections, and test interfaces into one unified structure that can perform insulation resistance tests, TDR tests, VLF tests, continuity testing, bridge method testing, and vector impedance metering through standardized connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An loop cap can include a base having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to be exposed to a subsea environment. The loop cap can also include a first terminal that extends through the base, where the first terminal has a first proximal portion that is configured to be electrically coupled to a first electrical conductor providing high voltage power to a subsea electrical system. The loop cap can further include a second terminal that extends through the base, where the second terminal has a second proximal portion that is configured to be electrically coupled to a second electrical conductor providing high voltage power to the subsea electrical system. The loop cap can also include a jumper that provides electrical continuity between the first terminal and the second terminal.