Underwater Wet Mateable Connector Ropeway Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of wet mateable connection assemblies for medium and high voltage electrical cables in underwater energy applications is cumbersome and economically disadvantageous due to the weight and complexity of the connector cases, which require remote operation and increase costs, especially in deep water environments where dry mating becomes impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a submersed connector case with a seat for anchoring a ropeway that allows a submersible connector case to be suspended and aligned with the submerged case, using a guiding rope and auxiliary rope to facilitate safer and easier positioning and alignment, reducing the need for heavy equipment and remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dry mating is used to connect cables, then connection reliability is improved by avoiding water at the connector interface, but the operation becomes cumbersome and economically disadvantageous in deep water environments where retrieving heavy hub or substation units is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator system consisting of a guiding rope and auxiliary rope that facilitates the connection process. The guiding rope is anchored to the seabed and the auxiliary rope suspends the connector case, allowing it to be guided along the guiding rope to the connection point. This intermediary rope system eliminates the need for heavy equipment to retrieve and position heavy connector cases, making the operation easier while maintaining connection reliability through controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary rope acts as a counterweight system by suspending the connector case from the surface vessel. This suspension system balances the weight of the connector case and cable assembly, allowing operators to control the descent and positioning of the heavy equipment without requiring equally heavy lifting equipment on the seabed or in ROVs, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If remotely operated vehicles are used to position connector cases, then operational safety is improved in deep water environments, but installation costs increase due to the requirement for specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The rope system serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that replaces complex ROV positioning systems. The guiding rope anchored to the seabed and the auxiliary rope from the surface vessel create a passive guidance system that naturally directs the connector case to the correct position without requiring active control systems, sensors, or complex maneuvering equipment on ROVs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector case positioning system is self-guiding through the rope mechanism. As the auxiliary rope pays out and the connector case descends, the guiding rope automatically guides it along the correct path to the connection point. This self-service positioning eliminates the need for complex active control systems, operators, or sophisticated navigation equipment, simplifying the overall system while ensuring safe operation.
3Reliability
If heavy connector cases are used for medium and high voltage cables, then electrical connection capability is improved, but the weight and complexity increase making handling and positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary rope suspension system provides a counterweight mechanism by supporting the heavy connector case from the surface vessel. This allows the connector case to be lowered in a controlled manner and positioned at the connection point without requiring equally heavy lifting equipment. The rope system distributes the weight load, making it feasible to handle heavy, high-capacity connector cases while maintaining manageable handling characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding rope acts as an intermediary that facilitates the positioning of the heavy connector case. By anchoring the guiding rope to the seabed and having the connector case follow along it, the system provides a simple mechanical guidance mechanism that handles the positioning of heavy equipment without requiring complex positioning systems or additional heavy equipment, thereby managing the weight issue effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for underwater installing a wet mateable connection assembly (10), the method comprising the steps of - providing a submerged case (12) having a seat (27); - connecting one end of a guiding rope (40) to the seat (27), other end being kept over the sea level; - appending a submersible case (11) to the guiding rope (40) by a guide handle (26); - causing the submersible case (11) to move along the rope (40) until the guide handle (26) engages with the seat (27); - pivoting the submersible case (11) around the seat (27) up to contact the submerged case (12).