Subsea Power Extender Modules for Modular Offshore Power Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power collection systems for offshore power generation units face challenges in installation, maintenance, and efficient power transfer, particularly in deeper waters where floating turbines and solar power installations are used.
Innovation Solution
A power collection system comprising independently arrangeable subsea power extender modules that can be connected in a local grid to collect electrical power from offshore power generation units, allowing for easier installation and expansion of power generation farms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional windfarms use surface towers for switchgear and power collection, then power collection is achieved, but installation becomes cumbersome and switchgear design is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power collection infrastructure into modular subsea power collection units, each handling a specific turbine connection. This segmentation allows independent installation and configuration of each unit, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining full switchgear functionality within each modular unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions switchgear and power collection equipment from the surface dimension to the subsea dimension. By placing power collection units on the seabed rather than in surface towers, the system eliminates surface installation constraints and enables more flexible, less cumbersome installation processes while maintaining electrical functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If floating wind turbines are used in deeper waters, then water depth limitation is removed, but power collection and distribution logistics become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The power collection system is divided into discrete, independently installable subsea power collection units that can be deployed sequentially. Each unit connects to a single turbine and interfaces with the subsea cable network, allowing flexible installation logistics that adapt to floating turbine deployments in deep water without requiring complex coordinated installation of entire power collection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Subsea power collection units serve as intermediary components between floating wind turbines and the subsea cable network. These units simplify the connection interface, providing standardized electrical and mechanical coupling that reduces the complexity of power collection logistics for floating turbines in deep water environments.
3Power
If extensive subsea cabling is used for power collection, then power transfer is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea power collection unit integrates multiple functions including electrical connection, mechanical support, and cable management into a single combined structure. By merging these functions, the system reduces the number of separate components and installation steps required, thereby simplifying subsea cabling complexity while maintaining full power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea power collection unit is designed as a universal module that can serve multiple purposes: electrical power collection, mechanical anchoring, cable routing, and potential future expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components, thereby decreasing overall system complexity while ensuring adequate power transfer capabilities.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular power extender modules are used for subsea power collection, then installation and expansion become easier, but system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs standardized modular power extender units that can be independently configured and then systematically connected. Each module has predefined connection interfaces and standardized electrical configurations, which simplifies the overall system configuration process despite the modular architecture. The segmentation enables easy installation while the standardization controls configuration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power collection system for subsea collection of power from offshore power generation units, the system including: a set of power extender modules being independently arrangeable subsea in a local grid and each being connectable with a respective one of a set of offshore power generation units to collect electrical power from the respective offshore power generation units, the set of power extender modules being configured to be electrically series connected in the local grid being connectable with a power consumer.