Distributed Actuator Control for Subsea Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underwater hydrocarbon extraction facilities face challenges with centralized subsea control modules in all-electric arrangements, where actuator control is rigid and prone to failure, leading to potential loss of valve control and increased costs due to the need for complex central electronics.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of distributed actuator power and communication modules with local energy storage and wireless communication capabilities, allowing for decentralized control and redundant communication paths, reducing reliance on centralized subsea electronics and enhancing maintenance and fault tolerance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If centralized subsea control modules are used for actuator control, then control coordination is improved, but system complexity and failure risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator control reliabilityVSAvoidcentralized control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distributed actuator control modules, each with its own power and communication capabilities. This eliminates the need for a complex centralized control module while maintaining coordination through standardized communication protocols between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Control functionality is extracted from the centralized control module and distributed to individual actuator modules. Each actuator becomes a self-contained unit with integrated control logic, power management, and communication capabilities, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If all-electric actuators are deployed, then maintenance requirements are reduced, but power supply reliability becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator maintenance easeVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Energy storage devices are pre-charged during normal operation to provide backup power. This preliminary action ensures that actuators can maintain critical functions or shut down safely during power failures, addressing reliability concerns before they manifest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Each actuator module manages its own power requirements with integrated energy storage and power management circuitry. This self-service capability reduces dependence on centralized power distribution systems while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If centralized control architecture is used, then coordination is simplified, but fault tolerance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol architecture simplicityVSAvoidfault tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control architecture is segmented into independent actuator modules that can operate autonomously. This segmentation provides fault tolerance as failures in one module do not propagate to others, while standardized interfaces maintain coordination simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from centralized to distributed control parameter management. Each actuator module independently manages its control parameters while communicating status and commands through standardized protocols, maintaining coordination with improved fault tolerance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If extensive subsea electronics are installed, then control capabilities are enhanced, but structure size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator control capabilityVSAvoidsubsea structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Electronics are extracted from centralized subsea structures and distributed to compact actuator modules. This extraction reduces the weight and size of fixed subsea infrastructure while maintaining enhanced control capabilities through distributed intelligent modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces extensive mechanical/electrical wiring infrastructure with wireless communication between actuator modules. This substitution significantly reduces the physical infrastructure required while maintaining full control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3271545B1Underwater hydrocarbon extraction facility

Publication Date: 2022.09.14 BAKER HUGHES ENERGY TECH UK LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c

AI summary

An underwater hydrocarbon extraction facility (2) including a plurality of actuators (3, 4, 5), wherein each of the actuator (3, 4, 5), comprises: an electric motor arranged to operate the actuator; communication means configured to receive communication signals; and a controller (12) connected to the communication means and the electric motor, said controller (12) being operable to activate the electric motor in response to a received communication signal.