Cylindrical Canister Thermal Conduction for Deep Sea Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep sea oil and gas production equipment, particularly control and monitoring electronics, face significant challenges due to extreme water pressures and temperatures, leading to reliability issues and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical canister system with a modular electronic rack system that includes a thermal contact member for conductive heat transfer and minimizes cabling through direct electrical coupling, using a structural cage assembly to withstand pressure and provide structural support, and a wedge lock system for enhanced thermal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control and monitoring electronics are located at subsurface locations on the ocean floor, then communication reliability is improved and active control is enabled, but the equipment must withstand extreme water pressures and temperatures which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a pressure-resistant canister housing containing electronics and a separate external antenna system. The canister houses sensitive electronics in a protected environment while the antenna extends outside for communication functions, separating the electronics from direct exposure to extreme pressure and temperature while maintaining communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective canister enclosure acts as an intermediary between the electronics and the extreme ocean environment. The canister withstands water pressure and temperature effects, creating a controlled internal environment for electronics while allowing them to perform subsurface monitoring and control functions.
2Reliability
If a protective enclosure is provided to withstand extreme pressure and temperature, then equipment reliability is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cold ocean water environment, which initially presents as a harmful thermal condition, is utilized as a heat sink. The canister design allows thermal conduction from internal electronics to the external ocean environment, converting the cold temperature into a beneficial cooling mechanism that actively removes heat from the electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural thermal properties of the ocean environment to cool itself. The canister structure conducts heat from internal electronics directly to the surrounding cold water, enabling passive heat dissipation without requiring active cooling systems or additional energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If extensive cabling is used for power and signal transmission, then electrical connections are established, but the system complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted as a separate external component from the canister housing. This allows the antenna to be positioned optimally for communication while minimizing cabling requirements within the pressure vessel. The external antenna connects to the electronics through minimal sealed penetrations, reducing internal cabling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure serves multiple functions: it provides external radiation elements for communication, acts as a structural support for mounting, and helps define the spatial orientation of the system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components and cabling assemblies.
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 operational efficiency of deep sea electronics by providing a protective enclosure that withstands extreme conditions, reduces maintenance needs, and effectively dissipates heat, thereby minimizing downtime and ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal contact member that is in at least selective physical contact with an interior surface of the cylindrical housing to permit conductive heat transfer there through
Data Source
AI summary
A canister system having a cylindrical housing and a modular electronic rack system disposed within the cylindrical housing. The modular electronic rack system includes a thermal contact member that is in at least selective physical contact with an interior surface of the cylindrical housing to permit conductive heat transfer there through. An input/output device extends along at least a portion of the modular electronic rack system and includes a power input and a signal output electrically coupled thereto. A plurality of electronic slots disposed at a position generally along the modular electronic rack system is provided.