Undersea Optical Electrical Distribution Apparatus Corrosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional undersea power distribution systems face challenges with electrochemical effects such as hydrogen generation and metal corrosion due to sea earthing electrodes, and they require complex and costly separate devices for power and data transmission, leading to high complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a sea earthing electrode connected at an intermediate point of the primary electric line, allowing operation as a monopole line with a shared sea return path, reducing corrosion and enabling redundant power supply to undersea user equipment, and integrates optical and electrical distribution apparatus for combined power and data transmission using hybrid cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for power transmission and data transmission, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data transmission into a single hybrid cable system. The optical fiber serves dual purposes: transmitting data signals and guiding electrical current for power distribution through the same physical medium, thereby reducing the number of separate devices while maintaining system reliability through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a data transmission medium and a power transmission conductor. The hybrid cable structure enables the same infrastructure to support both communication and power distribution functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power cables
2Stability of the object's composition
If sea earthing electrodes are used at converter locations, then electrical stability is improved, but hydrogen generation and metal corrosion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes sea earthing electrodes from the converter locations at the ends of the optical fiber. By extracting these electrodes from critical positions, the system eliminates the electrochemical reactions that cause hydrogen generation and metal corrosion at the converters, while maintaining electrical stability through alternative grounding arrangements at intermediate points or shore-based locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate points along the optical fiber where sea earthing electrodes can be placed without affecting the converters. These intermediary locations serve as grounding points that provide electrical stability to the system while being positioned away from the converters to prevent harmful electrochemical effects at critical equipment locations
3Device complexity
If hybrid optical and electrical cables are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber into multiple sections with intermediate access points where power can be extracted or injected. This segmentation allows independent control of different power distribution zones along the cable, enabling flexible power management while maintaining the simplified hybrid cable structure. Each segment can be controlled separately through optical signaling or electrical injection at specific points
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
This configuration minimizes corrosion, allows for continuous operation with reduced equipment complexity and cost, and provides efficient power and data transmission in undersea communications systems, supporting various industrial applications like scientific research and offshore operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical unit (30) comprising an optical path for passing optical signals between the first and second connectors (21, 22) and an optical amplification module (32) for amplifying the optical signals in the optical path
Implementation Method 2
an electric converter (42) adapted to extract power from the first or second connector (21, 22) and to supply power at a controlled voltage or current to the third connector (25)
Implementation Method 3
a sea earthing connection module (23) that connects the electric wire of the trunk cable to a sea earthing electrode (18)... the sea earthing electrode (18) provides a reference ground potential for the distribution of electric power through the trunk cable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
An optical and electrical distribution apparatus for use in an undersea communications system comprises: first, second and third connectors (21, 22, 25) suitable for attaching first, second and third cables (3, 24) to the apparatus, the connectors being arranged for connecting an electrical conductor of the cables to an electrical unit and for connecting an optical conductor of the cables to an optical unit, wherein the optical unit comprises at least one of an add module (33) arranged for directing optical signals from the third connector to at least one of the first and second connectors and a drop module (33) arranged for directing optical signals from at least one of the first and second connectors to the third connector and, wherein the electrical unit an electric converter (42) adapted to extract power from the first or second connector and to supply power to the third connector.