Subsea Power Module Housing with Shockwave-Actuated Movable Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea electrical power converters face challenges in withstanding high hydrostatic pressures and require improved reliability and cooling mechanisms, as existing solutions are prone to failure and maintenance issues due to the inhospitable environment.
Innovation Solution
A housing design with movable covers that automatically close in response to shockwaves, allowing fluid cooling and eliminating the need for complex control circuitry, combined with a power module structure that includes electrical current bypass connectors and guiding fins for efficient fluid flow and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If movable covers are used to allow fluid cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of damage from shockwaves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful shockwave into a beneficial closing force. When a shockwave occurs inside the housing, it automatically drives the movable covers from the open state to the closed state, sealing the openings. This eliminates the need for complex control circuitry and ensures rapid response to internal events, while the holding device maintains the covers in the closed position during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable covers are designed to self-regulate based on internal pressure conditions. The shockwave-generated pressure automatically actuates the covers without external control, and the holding device maintains the sealed state without continuous power or control signals, achieving a fail-safe design that serves itself.
2Reliability
If complex control circuitry is used to close covers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control circuitry with a purely mechanical pressure-responsive system. The movable covers are driven by shockwave pressure and held in position by mechanical holding devices, eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, control logic, and power supply systems while achieving more reliable fail-safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover closing system operates autonomously based on physical pressure conditions without requiring external control signals, processors, or power supply, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining high reliability through passive mechanical response.
3Reliability
If openings are kept closed to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable openings with movable covers that can transition between open and closed states based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the holding device keeps covers closed for protection. When cooling is needed, the covers are opened to allow fluid flow. Upon shockwave detection, they automatically close to seal the housing, achieving both cooling and protection through dynamic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into multiple sections with independently controllable movable covers at different openings. This segmentation allows selective opening/closing of individual covers based on local conditions, optimizing both cooling flow paths and protection while maintaining system reliability.
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 solution enhances the reliability and cooling efficiency of subsea power modules, enabling them to operate reliably under high pressure and reducing the risk of damage from failed components, while maintaining efficient fluid circulation and heat management.
Implementation Method 1
Each movable cover is arranged to move, during operation, from an open state, in which the respective cover does not cover its respective opening, to a closed state, in which the respective cover covers its respective opening, when the respective cover is subjected to a pressure from a shockwave occurring inside the housing.
Implementation Method 2
The openings provide cooling of installed power semiconductors by allowing fluid to flow.
Implementation Method 3
the fluid cools any one or more power semiconductors provided in the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~8
AI summary
According to a first aspect, a housing (1, 1') is provided for housing at least one power semiconductor (2), the housing comprising: two openings (4); and two movable covers (10) provided respectively by the two openings (4). Each movable cover (10) is arranged to move, during operation, from an open state, in which the respective cover does not cover its respective opening, to a closed state, in which the respective cover covers its respective opening, when the respective cover is subjected to a pressure from a shockwave occurring inside the housing. A corresponding power module and electrical power converter are also presented.