In the depths of the ocean, where submarine cables crisscross the seafloor, a technological breakthrough is making waves. Researchers, led by CHEN Xueyong, have developed an underwater wet-mateable hybrid optoelectronic connector that promises to revolutionize the energy sector. This innovation, detailed in a recent study published in *Guangtongxin yanjiu* (translated as *Optical Communication Research*), is set to break the monopoly of foreign technologies, offering a path to self-reliance and controllability in large-scale underwater interconnection projects.
The connector, a critical component in submarine engineering, integrates several key technologies. These include isobaric balance, rotary sealing, oil-filled cable sealing connection, multi-stage guided precise docking, position recognition, non-contact optical contacts, and fiber core adjustment. “The development of this connector is a significant step forward,” says CHEN Xueyong. “It addresses the pressing need for reliable, high-performance connections in underwater environments.”
The connector’s robustness was thoroughly tested. It underwent high-pressure underwater mating and unmating tests, oscillation and tension tests of oil-filled cables, and maximum offset mating and unmating tests. The results were impressive: the insertion loss was maintained at 0.5 dB, and the insulation resistance remained above 50 GΩ after 100 cycles of plugging and unplugging under a pressure of 45 MPa. The tensile capacity and end connection reliability of the oil-filled cable cone sealing structure also met the required standards.
Simulation analyses provided further insights. During dynamic mating and unmating processes, the contact pressure of the rolling shaft was found to be consistently greater than the water pressure, ensuring dynamic sealing and preventing leakage. For static sealing structures, the simulations showed that at a water pressure of 70 MPa, there would be no seawater leakage into the equipment interior. However, as the gap increased, the deformation, stress, and contact pressure of the O-ring with the wall surface all showed an increasing trend. For dynamic sealing structures, the faster the pin movement speed, the greater the seawater pressure and the greater the leakage amount.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Reliable underwater connectors are essential for the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms, subsea power cables, and other critical infrastructure. The development of this connector could significantly reduce the reliance on foreign technology, enhancing energy security and driving down costs.
As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, the demand for underwater interconnection projects is set to grow. The research conducted by CHEN Xueyong and his team could shape the future of these projects, ensuring they are more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. “This is just the beginning,” says CHEN. “We are confident that our research will pave the way for further advancements in the field.”
With the publication of this research in *Guangtongxin yanjiu*, the stage is set for a new era in underwater connectivity. The energy sector stands to benefit greatly from this technological leap, as it strives to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.