EP2822104A1 - Subsea female electrical connector and method of connecting a subsea connector - Google Patents
Subsea female electrical connector and method of connecting a subsea connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2822104A1 EP2822104A1 EP13175336.0A EP13175336A EP2822104A1 EP 2822104 A1 EP2822104 A1 EP 2822104A1 EP 13175336 A EP13175336 A EP 13175336A EP 2822104 A1 EP2822104 A1 EP 2822104A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- electrical connector
- subsea
- male
- female electrical
- chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 9
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 110
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 64
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 17
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010616 electrical installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
- H01R13/523—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases for use under water
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
- H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
- H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
- H01R13/453—Shutter or cover plate opened by engagement of counterpart
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
- H01R13/5216—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases characterised by the sealing material, e.g. gels or resins
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to electrical connectors and in particular to a subsea female electrical connector and to a subsea connector comprising such a female electrical connector and a male electrical conductor.
- US4373767 discloses a plug and socket type electrical connector for connection underwater.
- the female part of the connector contains a socket element enclosed in a dielectric fluid filled chamber which is sealed by a penetrable seal element.
- the plug or male part of the connector has an extended contact probe of round cross-section which penetrates the seal element to enter the socket and complete the connection, the two connector parts having housings with a threaded connection for securing the connector.
- the penetrable seal is specifically designed to accommodate repeated insertion and withdrawal of a male probe of round cross-section without loss of dielectric fluid or water leakage.
- a general object of the present disclosure is to provide a subsea female electrical connector which solves or at least mitigates the problems of the prior art.
- a subsea female electrical connector comprising: a housing forming a chamber; a socket arranged in the chamber and adapted to receive a male conductor rod; a dielectric fluid contained in the chamber; and a male connector interface comprising a fluid blocking member and a channel, which channel is adapted to receive the male conductor rod and guide the male conductor rod into the chamber and the socket, wherein the fluid blocking member has a single continuous surface blocking the channel thereby preventing fluid from flowing out from and into the chamber through the channel.
- the dielectric fluid contained in the chamber may be utilised to flush the male electrical connector with which the female electrical connector mates to thereby remove sea water from the interface between the female and male connectors in the process of interconnection.
- the subsea female electrical connector retains its internal dielectric properties by means of the dielectric fluid that remains in the chamber after interconnection.
- the fluid blocking member has a thickness which allows the fluid blocking member to be ruptured by the male conductor rod when the subsea female electrical connector is mated with a subsea male electrical connector having a male conductor rod.
- the subsea female electrical connector is protected from water when lowered subsea by means of the fluid blocking member, and as noted above, dielectric fluid is able to flow from the chamber via the channel to remove water from the space formed between the female and male connectors.
- the chamber will thus provide dielectric properties by means of the dielectric fluid contained therein, without any traces of water when the male and female connectors have been interconnected.
- the channel is provided with a shoulder defining a narrower channel section at a chamber facing end of the channel than a channel section at a fluid blocking member facing end of the channel.
- One embodiment comprises an annular seal arranged to abut the shoulder, wherein the annular seal is dimensioned to receive the male conductor rod.
- the annular seal may thereby be retained in the channel when the male conductor rod has perforated/ruptured the fluid blocking member upon mating and is moved into position to connect with the socket of the female connector.
- the annular seal hence forms a seal around the male conductor rod which in a sense may be seen as a piston as it penetrates the channel for connection with the socket.
- the annular seal is adapted to block fluid from entering the chamber and to allow excess dielectric fluid to exit the subsea female electrical connector when the male conductor rod has been received by the annular seal.
- the annular seal thus allows dielectric fluid to flow from the chamber and pass through the channel when dielectric fluid in the chamber is subject to an overpressure as a result of the male conductor rod deforming and rupturing the fluid blocking member and penetrating the chamber, while preventing fluid such as sea water to enter the female connector.
- the male connector interface has a shape corresponding to a shape of a subsea male electrical connector with which it is to mate to such that essentially the entire male connector interface abuts the subsea male electrical connector.
- the fluid blocking member extends along the entire cross-sectional dimension of the subsea female electrical connector in level with the male connector interface. Thereby a simpler and more robust design of the female connector may be provided.
- the dielectric fluid fills the entire volume of the chamber.
- no air pockets may form within the chamber.
- dielectric fluid which is less compressible than e.g. air exits the female connector with one-to-one correspondence to each volume unit occupied by the male conductor rod when it has ruptured the fluid blocking member.
- the dielectric fluid has a density which is less than a density of water.
- the dielectric fluid will thereby be maintained between any sea water present at the male connector to be mated with the female connector. Efficient removal of sea water may thereby be obtained. Moreover, sea water will not be able to enter into the chamber. Thereby the dielectric properties obtained in the chamber by means of the dielectric fluid may be maintained when the female connector and male connector have mated.
- the dielectric fluid is oil or an ester.
- the dielectric fluid is biodegradable such that dielectric fluid flushed out from the chamber of the female connector into sea water may be biodegraded to thereby minimize sea water contamination.
- the fluid blocking member is arranged at that end of the channel which is furthest away from the chamber.
- a ruptured fluid blocking member can thereby be exchanged for a new, intact fluid blocking member without having to disassemble the subsea female electrical connector in case the subsea female electrical connector is to be reused for additional mating after disconnection from a subsea male electrical connector.
- the channel has a cross-sectional dimension which essentially corresponds to a cross-sectional dimension of the male conductor rod.
- the mechanical withstand strength of the subsea female electrical connector in general, and the fluid blocking member in particular, may thus be maximised.
- the relatively thin portion, with lower mechanical withstand strength, of the male connector interface defined by the fluid blocking member portion which blocks the channel may be kept minimal.
- the fluid blocking member is a single-use fluid blocking member.
- a subsea connector comprising a subsea female electrical connector according to the first aspect presented herein, and a subsea male electrical connector having a male conductor rod and arranged to interconnect with the subsea female electrical connector.
- a method of connecting a subsea female electrical connector and a subsea male electrical connector wherein the subsea female electrical connector comprises a housing forming a chamber, a socket arranged in the chamber and adapted to receive a male conductor rod, a dielectric fluid contained in the chamber, and a male connector interface comprising a fluid blocking member and a channel, which channel is adapted to receive the male conductor rod and guide the male conductor rod into the chamber and the socket, wherein the method comprises: a) bringing the subsea female electrical connector and the subsea male electrical connector together such that a male conductor rod of the subsea male electrical connector abuts the fluid blocking member; and b) rupturing the fluid blocking member by means of the male conductor rod, wherein dielectric fluid from the chamber flushes the subsea male electrical connector.
- the subsea female electrical connector presented herein enables subsea mating with a corresponding male electrical connector while maintaining dielectric properties of both the subsea female electrical connector and the male electrical connector post-mating.
- the subsea female electrical connector may for example be adapted to high voltage (HV) or medium voltage (MV) applications.
- the subsea female connector presented herein may for example be a high voltage subsea female electrical connector or a medium voltage subsea female electrical connector.
- Fig. 1a depicts a schematic longitudinal section of an example of a subsea female electrical connector 1.
- the subsea female electrical connector 1 comprises a housing 3 forming a chamber 7, and a dielectric fluid 11.
- the dielectric fluid 11 is contained in the chamber 7.
- the dielectric fluid 11 may advantageously be a dielectric liquid, such as oil or an ester.
- the dielectric fluid 11 may beneficially be biodegradable.
- the dielectric fluid 11 fills the entire volume of the chamber 7.
- the dielectric fluid 11 has a density which is less than a density of water. Especially, it is beneficial if the density of the dielectric fluid 11 is less than that of the body of water in which the subsea female electrical connector 1 is to be installed and utilised.
- the subsea electrical female connector 1 is adapted to withstand ambient pressure at a depth at which the subsea female electrical connector 1 is intended to be utilised. Such a depth may be anywhere from a few tens of metres to several thousand metres, for example 2000-4000 m, the latter corresponding to a pressure of about 200 bar to 400 bar.
- the housing 3 may for example be made of plastic, steel, a combination thereof, or any other suitable material which can withstand the high pressure and wear applied and provided by deep sea water.
- the dielectric fluid 11 is arranged to counteract deformation of the housing 3.
- the subsea female electrical connector 1 further comprises a male connector interface 5 adapted to face a subsea male electrical connector for mating therewith.
- the housing 3 and the male connector interface 5 define the walls of the chamber 7.
- the male connector interface 5 defines a floor 5c of the chamber 7.
- a socket 9 is arranged in the subsea female electrical connector 1, adapted to connect with a male conductor rod when the subsea female electrical connector 1 is mated with a subsea male electrical connector.
- the socket 9 is arranged to receive a male conductor rod.
- the subsea connector formed by the subsea female electrical connector 1 and a subsea male electrical connector is able to provide power to subsea machinery provided that the subsea female electrical connector 1 is connected to a power source.
- the male connector interface 5 defines that end of the subsea female electrical connector 1 which is adapted to mate with a subsea male electrical connector.
- the male connector interface 5 has a channel 5d and comprises a fluid blocking member 5a.
- the channel 5d is adapted to receive a male conductor rod and guide the male conductor rod into the chamber 7 such that the male conductor rod can mate with the socket 9.
- the fluid blocking member 5a is arranged at that end of the channel 5d which is furthest away from the chamber 7, as shown in Figs 1a and b.
- the channel 5d extends from the chamber 7 to the fluid blocking member 5a.
- the fluid blocking member may be arranged at an inner end of the channel, i.e. at that end which is closest to the chamber.
- the fluid blocking member 5a has a single continuous surface adapted to block the channel 7 to thereby prevent fluid from flowing out from and into the chamber 7 through the channel 5d.
- the single continuous surface defines an external surface of the subsea female electrical connector 1 and the male connector interface 5.
- the fluid blocking member 5a hence covers or obstructs the mouth of the channel 7, thus preventing fluid communication between the chamber 7 and the environment surrounding the subsea female electrical connector 1.
- a single continuous surface is meant, in mathematical terms, a topological connected set of points forming the surface. Each pair of points in the continuous surface may hence be connected by a line for which each point forms part of the continuous surface. In other words, the continuous surface does not have any openings.
- the fluid blocking member 5a has a thickness which allows the fluid blocking member 5a to be ruptured by a male conductor rod when the subsea female electrical connector is mated with a subsea male electrical connector.
- the force applied by the male conductor rod during mating hence ruptures the fluid blocking member 5a.
- the fluid blocking member 5a is hence provided with an opening for a male conductor rod only after the male conductor has ruptured the fluid blocking member 5a in a mating operation.
- the chamber Prior to mating, the chamber is isolated from the environment surrounding the subsea female electrical connector by means of the fluid blocking member 5a.
- the fluid blocking member 5a may according to one variation have an extension which covers the entire cross-sectional dimension of the subsea female electrical connector 1 in level with the male connector interface 5.
- the fluid blocking member 5a may hence have a cross-sectional dimension corresponding to essentially the entire bottom end face of the subsea female electrical connector 1.
- the fluid blocking member may have a dimension which essentially corresponds to the dimension of the mouth of the channel at that end of the channel at which the fluid blocking member is arranged.
- the fluid blocking member could of course have any dimension in between these two extremes.
- the male connector interface 5 comprises a floor member 5h which is thicker than the fluid blocking member 5a.
- the floor member 5h has mechanical strength designed to withstand subsea ambient pressure at the depth at which the subsea female electrical connector is intended to be used.
- a through opening in the floor member 5h defines the channel 5d.
- the channel 5d is provided with a shoulder 5g extending along at least part of the periphery of the channel 7.
- the shoulder 5g defines a narrower channel section at a chamber facing end of the channel 5d than a channel section at a fluid blocking member facing end of the channel 5d.
- the subsea female electrical connector 1 comprises an annular seal 5f adapted to abut the shoulder 5g.
- the annular seal 5f is dimensioned to receive a male conductor rod.
- the annular seal 5f is adapted to block fluid from entering the chamber 7 and to allow excess dielectric fluid 11 to exit the subsea female electrical connector 1 when a male conductor rod has been received by the annular seal 5f.
- the annular seal may for example be an axial shaft seal.
- the male connector interface 5 may according to one variation have a shape corresponding to a shape of a subsea male electrical connector with which it is to mate in such a manner that essentially the entire male connector interface 5 abuts the subsea male electrical connector.
- the subsea female electrical connector 1 is advantageously utilised with a subsea male electrical connector that may be of multiple mating-type.
- Fig. 2 depicts a longitudinal sectional view of a subsea female electrical connector 1 and a subsea male electrical connector 13 prior to mating.
- the subsea male electrical connector 13 comprises a male conductor rod 15 arranged to mate with the socket 9 of the subsea female electrical connector 1.
- Fig. 3a the subsea female electrical connector 1 and a subsea male electrical connector 13 have been brought together, and the male connector interface 5 faces and is aligned with the subsea male electrical connector 13, as also illustrated in Fig. 4 in step a).
- the male conductor rod 15 then ruptures the fluid blocking member 5a in a step b).
- Fig. 3b depicts when the male conductor rod 15 has ruptured and penetrated the fluid blocking member 5a.
- An amount of dielectric fluid corresponding to the volume occupied by the male connector rod 15 in the channel 5d and chamber 7 is forced out from the subsea female electrical connector 1 through the channel 5d.
- any water 17 contained in the space between the male connector interface 5 and the subsea male electrical connector 13 is flushed out from the space created between the mating connectors 1 and 13 into the surrounding water, as indicated by arrow A.
- the annular seal 5f prevents water from entering the chamber 7 during the mating operation.
- the dielectric fluid that is forced out from the subsea female electrical connector which for example may be arranged vertically above the subsea male electrical connector, will act as a barrier between said connector and water. Efficient removal of any water in the space created between the two connectors may thereby be obtained.
- Fig. 3c shows a fully interconnected subsea female electrical and male electrical connector 1 and 13 forming subsea connector 19.
- the interconnection may for example be carried out by a threaded connection.
- the external surface of the subsea female electrical connector and the internal surface of the subsea male electrical connector may be threaded.
- Other interconnection methods are also envisaged, as would be apparent to the skilled person.
- the subsea female electrical connector is a disposable device which allows for a single mating with a subsea male electrical connector.
- the fluid blocking member is a single-use fluid blocking member. For reuse of a subsea female electrical connector that has previously been interconnected with a subsea male electrical connector, a ruptured fluid blocking member may be replaced when it has been refilled with dielectric fluid.
- underwater female electrical connector presented herein find applications within the oil and gas industry for example for subsea HVDC/HVAC power transmission and power distribution systems, as well as offshore power generation such as wind energy, tidal energy, wave energy, and ocean current energy.
- the inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few examples. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims.
- the subsea female electrical connector may for example be adapted to mate with a subsea male electrical connector which has more than one male conductor rod.
- the male connector interface may comprise a matching number of channels.
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to electrical connectors and in particular to a subsea female electrical connector and to a subsea connector comprising such a female electrical connector and a male electrical conductor.
- In recent years, there has been a growing interest in electrical installations on the sea floor in depths from a few tens of meters to even kilometres. Machineries such as pumps and compressors are employed in subsea production of oil and gas. Such machinery is driven by electric motors.
- The operation of subsea machinery depends on reliable power distribution and the possibility of connecting/disconnecting power consuming devices subsea.
US4373767 discloses a plug and socket type electrical connector for connection underwater. The female part of the connector contains a socket element enclosed in a dielectric fluid filled chamber which is sealed by a penetrable seal element. The plug or male part of the connector has an extended contact probe of round cross-section which penetrates the seal element to enter the socket and complete the connection, the two connector parts having housings with a threaded connection for securing the connector. The penetrable seal is specifically designed to accommodate repeated insertion and withdrawal of a male probe of round cross-section without loss of dielectric fluid or water leakage. - Existing subsea connectors have complicated design rendering them expensive, thereby limiting the application of subsea equipment. In view of this, there is a need to improve existing subsea connector designs.
- In view of the above, a general object of the present disclosure is to provide a subsea female electrical connector which solves or at least mitigates the problems of the prior art.
- Hence, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a subsea female electrical connector comprising: a housing forming a chamber; a socket arranged in the chamber and adapted to receive a male conductor rod; a dielectric fluid contained in the chamber; and a male connector interface comprising a fluid blocking member and a channel, which channel is adapted to receive the male conductor rod and guide the male conductor rod into the chamber and the socket, wherein the fluid blocking member has a single continuous surface blocking the channel thereby preventing fluid from flowing out from and into the chamber through the channel.
- By means of a fluid blocking member that has a single continuous surface blocking the channel, a simpler and hence more reliable underwater female electrical connector design may be obtained than what has previously been possible. Moreover, the dielectric fluid contained in the chamber may be utilised to flush the male electrical connector with which the female electrical connector mates to thereby remove sea water from the interface between the female and male connectors in the process of interconnection. The subsea female electrical connector retains its internal dielectric properties by means of the dielectric fluid that remains in the chamber after interconnection. The present disclosure hence provides a simple, disposable in the sense that it allows for one mating with a male connector, underwater female electrical conductor design.
- According to one embodiment the fluid blocking member has a thickness which allows the fluid blocking member to be ruptured by the male conductor rod when the subsea female electrical connector is mated with a subsea male electrical connector having a male conductor rod. Thus, the subsea female electrical connector is protected from water when lowered subsea by means of the fluid blocking member, and as noted above, dielectric fluid is able to flow from the chamber via the channel to remove water from the space formed between the female and male connectors. The chamber will thus provide dielectric properties by means of the dielectric fluid contained therein, without any traces of water when the male and female connectors have been interconnected.
- According to one embodiment the channel is provided with a shoulder defining a narrower channel section at a chamber facing end of the channel than a channel section at a fluid blocking member facing end of the channel.
- One embodiment comprises an annular seal arranged to abut the shoulder, wherein the annular seal is dimensioned to receive the male conductor rod. The annular seal may thereby be retained in the channel when the male conductor rod has perforated/ruptured the fluid blocking member upon mating and is moved into position to connect with the socket of the female connector. The annular seal hence forms a seal around the male conductor rod which in a sense may be seen as a piston as it penetrates the channel for connection with the socket.
- According to one embodiment the annular seal is adapted to block fluid from entering the chamber and to allow excess dielectric fluid to exit the subsea female electrical connector when the male conductor rod has been received by the annular seal. The annular seal thus allows dielectric fluid to flow from the chamber and pass through the channel when dielectric fluid in the chamber is subject to an overpressure as a result of the male conductor rod deforming and rupturing the fluid blocking member and penetrating the chamber, while preventing fluid such as sea water to enter the female connector.
- According to one embodiment the male connector interface has a shape corresponding to a shape of a subsea male electrical connector with which it is to mate to such that essentially the entire male connector interface abuts the subsea male electrical connector.
- According to one embodiment the fluid blocking member extends along the entire cross-sectional dimension of the subsea female electrical connector in level with the male connector interface. Thereby a simpler and more robust design of the female connector may be provided.
- According to one embodiment the dielectric fluid fills the entire volume of the chamber. Thus, no air pockets may form within the chamber. Moreover, dielectric fluid which is less compressible than e.g. air, exits the female connector with one-to-one correspondence to each volume unit occupied by the male conductor rod when it has ruptured the fluid blocking member.
- According to one embodiment the dielectric fluid has a density which is less than a density of water. The dielectric fluid will thereby be maintained between any sea water present at the male connector to be mated with the female connector. Efficient removal of sea water may thereby be obtained. Moreover, sea water will not be able to enter into the chamber. Thereby the dielectric properties obtained in the chamber by means of the dielectric fluid may be maintained when the female connector and male connector have mated.
- According to one embodiment, the dielectric fluid is oil or an ester. Advantageously, the dielectric fluid is biodegradable such that dielectric fluid flushed out from the chamber of the female connector into sea water may be biodegraded to thereby minimize sea water contamination.
- According to one embodiment the fluid blocking member is arranged at that end of the channel which is furthest away from the chamber. A ruptured fluid blocking member can thereby be exchanged for a new, intact fluid blocking member without having to disassemble the subsea female electrical connector in case the subsea female electrical connector is to be reused for additional mating after disconnection from a subsea male electrical connector.
- According to one embodiment the channel has a cross-sectional dimension which essentially corresponds to a cross-sectional dimension of the male conductor rod. The mechanical withstand strength of the subsea female electrical connector in general, and the fluid blocking member in particular, may thus be maximised. Especially, the relatively thin portion, with lower mechanical withstand strength, of the male connector interface defined by the fluid blocking member portion which blocks the channel, may be kept minimal.
- According to one embodiment the fluid blocking member is a single-use fluid blocking member.
- According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a subsea connector comprising a subsea female electrical connector according to the first aspect presented herein, and a subsea male electrical connector having a male conductor rod and arranged to interconnect with the subsea female electrical connector.
- According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of connecting a subsea female electrical connector and a subsea male electrical connector, wherein the subsea female electrical connector comprises a housing forming a chamber, a socket arranged in the chamber and adapted to receive a male conductor rod, a dielectric fluid contained in the chamber, and a male connector interface comprising a fluid blocking member and a channel, which channel is adapted to receive the male conductor rod and guide the male conductor rod into the chamber and the socket, wherein the method comprises: a) bringing the subsea female electrical connector and the subsea male electrical connector together such that a male conductor rod of the subsea male electrical connector abuts the fluid blocking member; and b) rupturing the fluid blocking member by means of the male conductor rod, wherein dielectric fluid from the chamber flushes the subsea male electrical connector.
- Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- The specific embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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Fig. 1a is a schematic longitudinal section of an example of a subsea female electrical connector; -
Fig. 1b is a close-up view of a portion of the subsea female electrical connector inFig 1a ; -
Fig. 2 schematically depicts the subsea female electrical connector inFig. 1 and a subsea male electrical connector prior to mating thereof; -
Figs 3a-c shows the mating process of the subsea female electrical connector and subsea male electrical connector inFig. 2 ; and -
Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of connecting a subsea female electrical connector with a subsea male electrical connector. - The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments are shown. The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.
- The subsea female electrical connector presented herein enables subsea mating with a corresponding male electrical connector while maintaining dielectric properties of both the subsea female electrical connector and the male electrical connector post-mating. The subsea female electrical connector may for example be adapted to high voltage (HV) or medium voltage (MV) applications. To this end, the subsea female connector presented herein may for example be a high voltage subsea female electrical connector or a medium voltage subsea female electrical connector.
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Fig. 1a depicts a schematic longitudinal section of an example of a subsea femaleelectrical connector 1. The subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 comprises a housing 3 forming achamber 7, and adielectric fluid 11. Thedielectric fluid 11 is contained in thechamber 7. Thedielectric fluid 11 may advantageously be a dielectric liquid, such as oil or an ester. Thedielectric fluid 11 may beneficially be biodegradable. According to one variation, thedielectric fluid 11 fills the entire volume of thechamber 7. Preferably, thedielectric fluid 11 has a density which is less than a density of water. Especially, it is beneficial if the density of thedielectric fluid 11 is less than that of the body of water in which the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 is to be installed and utilised. - The subsea electrical
female connector 1 is adapted to withstand ambient pressure at a depth at which the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 is intended to be utilised. Such a depth may be anywhere from a few tens of metres to several thousand metres, for example 2000-4000 m, the latter corresponding to a pressure of about 200 bar to 400 bar. The housing 3 may for example be made of plastic, steel, a combination thereof, or any other suitable material which can withstand the high pressure and wear applied and provided by deep sea water. Furthermore, thedielectric fluid 11 is arranged to counteract deformation of the housing 3. - The subsea female
electrical connector 1 further comprises amale connector interface 5 adapted to face a subsea male electrical connector for mating therewith. The housing 3 and themale connector interface 5 define the walls of thechamber 7. Themale connector interface 5 defines afloor 5c of thechamber 7. Asocket 9 is arranged in the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1, adapted to connect with a male conductor rod when the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 is mated with a subsea male electrical connector. In particular, thesocket 9 is arranged to receive a male conductor rod. When thesocket 9 is in electrical connection with a male conductor rod, the subsea connector formed by the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 and a subsea male electrical connector is able to provide power to subsea machinery provided that the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 is connected to a power source. - As previously mentioned, the
male connector interface 5 defines that end of the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 which is adapted to mate with a subsea male electrical connector. Themale connector interface 5 has achannel 5d and comprises afluid blocking member 5a. Thechannel 5d is adapted to receive a male conductor rod and guide the male conductor rod into thechamber 7 such that the male conductor rod can mate with thesocket 9. According to one variation of subsea femaleelectrical connector 1, thefluid blocking member 5a is arranged at that end of thechannel 5d which is furthest away from thechamber 7, as shown inFigs 1a and b. According to this variation, thechannel 5d extends from thechamber 7 to thefluid blocking member 5a. Alternatively, the fluid blocking member may be arranged at an inner end of the channel, i.e. at that end which is closest to the chamber. - The
fluid blocking member 5a has a single continuous surface adapted to block thechannel 7 to thereby prevent fluid from flowing out from and into thechamber 7 through thechannel 5d. The single continuous surface defines an external surface of the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 and themale connector interface 5. Thefluid blocking member 5a hence covers or obstructs the mouth of thechannel 7, thus preventing fluid communication between thechamber 7 and the environment surrounding the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1. With a single continuous surface is meant, in mathematical terms, a topological connected set of points forming the surface. Each pair of points in the continuous surface may hence be connected by a line for which each point forms part of the continuous surface. In other words, the continuous surface does not have any openings. Thefluid blocking member 5a has a thickness which allows thefluid blocking member 5a to be ruptured by a male conductor rod when the subsea female electrical connector is mated with a subsea male electrical connector. The force applied by the male conductor rod during mating hence ruptures thefluid blocking member 5a. Thefluid blocking member 5a is hence provided with an opening for a male conductor rod only after the male conductor has ruptured thefluid blocking member 5a in a mating operation. Prior to mating, the chamber is isolated from the environment surrounding the subsea female electrical connector by means of thefluid blocking member 5a. - The
fluid blocking member 5a may according to one variation have an extension which covers the entire cross-sectional dimension of the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 in level with themale connector interface 5. Thefluid blocking member 5a may hence have a cross-sectional dimension corresponding to essentially the entire bottom end face of the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1. Alternatively, the fluid blocking member may have a dimension which essentially corresponds to the dimension of the mouth of the channel at that end of the channel at which the fluid blocking member is arranged. The fluid blocking member could of course have any dimension in between these two extremes. - According to the example in
Figs 1a-b , themale connector interface 5 comprises afloor member 5h which is thicker than thefluid blocking member 5a. Thefloor member 5h has mechanical strength designed to withstand subsea ambient pressure at the depth at which the subsea female electrical connector is intended to be used. A through opening in thefloor member 5h defines thechannel 5d. Thechannel 5d is provided with ashoulder 5g extending along at least part of the periphery of thechannel 7. According to one variation, theshoulder 5g defines a narrower channel section at a chamber facing end of thechannel 5d than a channel section at a fluid blocking member facing end of thechannel 5d. - According to one variation, the subsea female
electrical connector 1 comprises anannular seal 5f adapted to abut theshoulder 5g. Theannular seal 5f is dimensioned to receive a male conductor rod. Theannular seal 5f is adapted to block fluid from entering thechamber 7 and to allow excessdielectric fluid 11 to exit the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 when a male conductor rod has been received by theannular seal 5f. The annular seal may for example be an axial shaft seal. When a male conductor rod has ruptured or perforated thefluid blocking member 5a and further penetrated thechannel 7, theannular seal 5f will act as a unidirectional seal ring around the male conductor rod. - The
male connector interface 5 may according to one variation have a shape corresponding to a shape of a subsea male electrical connector with which it is to mate in such a manner that essentially the entiremale connector interface 5 abuts the subsea male electrical connector. - The subsea female
electrical connector 1 is advantageously utilised with a subsea male electrical connector that may be of multiple mating-type.Fig. 2 depicts a longitudinal sectional view of a subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 and a subsea maleelectrical connector 13 prior to mating. The subsea maleelectrical connector 13 comprises amale conductor rod 15 arranged to mate with thesocket 9 of the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1. - Mating operation of the subsea female
electrical connector 1 with subsea maleelectrical connector 13 will now be described with reference toFigs 3a-3c , andFig. 4 . In a typical situation, the mating is performed subsea. Prior to mating the subsea maleelectrical connector 13 and in particular themale conductor rod 15 are immersed inwater 17. Anywater 17 should be removed before the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 and subsea maleelectrical connector 13 is interconnected in order to obtain the required dielectric properties of the interconnected subsea connector. - In
Fig. 3a , the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 and a subsea maleelectrical connector 13 have been brought together, and themale connector interface 5 faces and is aligned with the subsea maleelectrical connector 13, as also illustrated inFig. 4 in step a). Themale conductor rod 15 then ruptures thefluid blocking member 5a in a step b).Fig. 3b depicts when themale conductor rod 15 has ruptured and penetrated thefluid blocking member 5a. An amount of dielectric fluid corresponding to the volume occupied by themale connector rod 15 in thechannel 5d andchamber 7 is forced out from the subsea femaleelectrical connector 1 through thechannel 5d. Anywater 17 contained in the space between themale connector interface 5 and the subsea maleelectrical connector 13 is flushed out from the space created between themating connectors annular seal 5f, theannular seal 5f prevents water from entering thechamber 7 during the mating operation. Moreover, in cases where the density of the dielectric fluid is less than that of the surrounding water, the dielectric fluid that is forced out from the subsea female electrical connector, which for example may be arranged vertically above the subsea male electrical connector, will act as a barrier between said connector and water. Efficient removal of any water in the space created between the two connectors may thereby be obtained. -
Fig. 3c shows a fully interconnected subsea female electrical and maleelectrical connector subsea connector 19. The interconnection may for example be carried out by a threaded connection. For example, the external surface of the subsea female electrical connector and the internal surface of the subsea male electrical connector may be threaded. Other interconnection methods are also envisaged, as would be apparent to the skilled person. - The subsea female electrical connector is a disposable device which allows for a single mating with a subsea male electrical connector. The fluid blocking member is a single-use fluid blocking member. For reuse of a subsea female electrical connector that has previously been interconnected with a subsea male electrical connector, a ruptured fluid blocking member may be replaced when it has been refilled with dielectric fluid.
- It is envisaged that the underwater female electrical connector presented herein find applications within the oil and gas industry for example for subsea HVDC/HVAC power transmission and power distribution systems, as well as offshore power generation such as wind energy, tidal energy, wave energy, and ocean current energy.
- The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few examples. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims. The subsea female electrical connector may for example be adapted to mate with a subsea male electrical connector which has more than one male conductor rod. In this case, the male connector interface may comprise a matching number of channels.
Claims (15)
- A subsea female electrical connector (1) comprising:a housing (3) forming a chamber (7),a socket (9) arranged in the chamber (7) and adapted to receive a male conductor rod (15),a dielectric fluid (11) contained in the chamber (7), anda male connector interface (5) comprising a fluid blocking member (5a) and a channel (5d), which channel (5d) is adapted to receive the male conductor rod (15) and guide the male conductor rod (15) into the chamber (7) and the socket (9), wherein the fluid blocking member (5a) has a surface blocking the channel (5d) thereby preventing fluid from flowing out from and into the chamber (7) through the channel (5d).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid blocking member (5a) has a thickness which allows the fluid blocking member (5a) to be ruptured by the male conductor rod (15) when the subsea female electrical connector (1) is mated with a subsea male electrical connector (13) having a male conductor rod (15).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel (5d) is provided with a shoulder (5g) defining a narrower channel section at a chamber facing end of the channel (5d) than a channel section at a fluid blocking member facing end of the channel (5d).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in claim 3, comprising an annular seal (5f) arranged to abut the shoulder (5g), wherein the annular seal (5f) is dimensioned to receive the male conductor rod (15).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the annular seal (5f) is adapted to block fluid from entering the chamber (7) and to allow excess dielectric fluid (11) to exit the subsea female electrical connector when the male conductor rod (15) has been received by the annular seal (5f).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the male connector interface (5) has a shape corresponding to a shape of a subsea male electrical connector (13) with which it is to mate to such that essentially the entire male connector interface (5) abuts the subsea male electrical connector (13).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid blocking member (5a) extends along the entire cross-sectional dimension of the subsea female electrical connector (1) in level with the male connector interface (5).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the dielectric fluid (11) fills the entire volume of the chamber (7).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the dielectric fluid (11) has a density which is less than a density of water.
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the dielectric fluid (11) is oil or an ester.
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid blocking member (5a) is arranged at that end of the channel (5d) which is furthest away from the chamber (7).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (5d) has a cross-sectional dimension which essentially corresponds to a cross-sectional dimension of the male conductor rod (15).
- The subsea female electrical connector (1), wherein the fluid blocking member (5a) is a single-use fluid blocking member.
- A subsea electrical connector (19) comprising:a subsea female electrical connector (1) as claimed in any of claims 1-13, anda subsea male electrical connector (13) having a male conductor rod (15) and arranged to interconnect with the subsea female electrical connector (1).
- A method of connecting a subsea female electrical connector (1) and a subsea male electrical connector (13), wherein the subsea female electrical connector (1) comprises a housing (3) forming a chamber (7), a socket (9) arranged in the chamber (7) and adapted to receive a male conductor rod (15), a dielectric fluid (11) contained in the chamber (7), and a male connector interface (5) comprising a fluid blocking member (5a) and a channel (5d), which channel (5d) is adapted to receive the male conductor rod (15) and guide the male conductor rod (15) into the chamber (7) and the socket (9), wherein the method comprises:a) bringing the subsea female electrical connector (1) and the subsea male electrical connector (13) together such that a male conductor rod (15) of the subsea male electrical connector (13) abuts the fluid blocking member (5a), andb) rupturing the fluid blocking member (5a) by means of the male conductor rod (15), wherein dielectric fluid from the chamber (7) flushes the subsea male electrical connector (13).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP13175336.0A EP2822104B1 (en) | 2013-07-05 | 2013-07-05 | Subsea female electrical connector and method of connecting a subsea female connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP13175336.0A EP2822104B1 (en) | 2013-07-05 | 2013-07-05 | Subsea female electrical connector and method of connecting a subsea female connector |
Publications (2)
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EP2822104A1 true EP2822104A1 (en) | 2015-01-07 |
EP2822104B1 EP2822104B1 (en) | 2020-04-01 |
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EP13175336.0A Active EP2822104B1 (en) | 2013-07-05 | 2013-07-05 | Subsea female electrical connector and method of connecting a subsea female connector |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN106877089A (en) * | 2017-03-14 | 2017-06-20 | 欧舶智能科技(上海)有限公司 | A kind of intrusive mood deep water connector |
EP3954455A4 (en) * | 2019-04-12 | 2023-01-04 | M. Torres Diseños Industriales, S.A. | Submarine desalination plant for desalinating seawater by means of inverse osmosis and method for arranging the submarine desalination plant on the seabed |
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US3643207A (en) * | 1970-08-28 | 1972-02-15 | James L Cairns | Sealed electrical connector |
GB1536541A (en) * | 1975-02-28 | 1978-12-20 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Viscous insulating liquid |
FR2721443A1 (en) * | 1994-06-16 | 1995-12-22 | Framatome Connectors France | Electrical connector for underwater cables |
Family Cites Families (4)
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US1255181A (en) * | 1917-06-25 | 1918-02-05 | Cutler Hammer Mfg Co | Flush receptacle. |
US2677811A (en) * | 1952-04-22 | 1954-05-04 | Airtron Inc | Quickly disconnectible contact plug assembly |
US3398392A (en) * | 1965-08-27 | 1968-08-20 | John K. Henderson | Submergible electrical connector |
US3522576A (en) * | 1968-04-26 | 1970-08-04 | James L Cairns | Underwater electrical connector |
-
2013
- 2013-07-05 EP EP13175336.0A patent/EP2822104B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3643207A (en) * | 1970-08-28 | 1972-02-15 | James L Cairns | Sealed electrical connector |
GB1536541A (en) * | 1975-02-28 | 1978-12-20 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Viscous insulating liquid |
FR2721443A1 (en) * | 1994-06-16 | 1995-12-22 | Framatome Connectors France | Electrical connector for underwater cables |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN106877089A (en) * | 2017-03-14 | 2017-06-20 | 欧舶智能科技(上海)有限公司 | A kind of intrusive mood deep water connector |
CN106877089B (en) * | 2017-03-14 | 2023-02-28 | 欧舶智能科技(上海)有限公司 | Invasive deepwater connector |
EP3954455A4 (en) * | 2019-04-12 | 2023-01-04 | M. Torres Diseños Industriales, S.A. | Submarine desalination plant for desalinating seawater by means of inverse osmosis and method for arranging the submarine desalination plant on the seabed |
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EP2822104B1 (en) | 2020-04-01 |
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