Dual-Modem Subsea Communication System for High-Speed Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea hydrocarbon production control systems face challenges in meeting higher data rate requirements for communication, as traditional wire-based telemetry is inadequate for advanced control and instrumentation needs, while optical telemetry is costly and not justified for intermediate requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dual-band communication system using both high-speed and low-speed modems connected via an umbilical, with low-pass filters and diplexers to enable simultaneous two-way communication at different data rates, enhancing existing low-speed systems without significant cost or operational impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wire-based telemetry is used, then cost is reduced and existing infrastructure is maintained, but data rate is insufficient for advanced control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines high-speed and low-speed modems into a single communication system that operates over the same umbilical infrastructure. The high-speed modem provides advanced data rates when needed, while the low-speed modem maintains compatibility with existing systems, merging the benefits of both approaches without requiring separate infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both high-speed and low-speed data transmission modes. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing high data rates for advanced control when needed while maintaining backward compatibility with existing low-speed systems.
2Productivity
If optical telemetry is implemented, then data rate and noise immunity are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs copper-based modems rather than expensive optical infrastructure. By using robust, relatively inexpensive copper transmission media with modem technology, the system achieves high data rates without the prohibitive costs of optical telemetry, sacrificing the absolute performance of optical systems for significant cost savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of existing copper umbilicals by introducing high-speed modem technology. Instead of replacing the physical infrastructure with optical cables, the patent modifies how data is transmitted over the existing copper medium, achieving higher data rates through parameter optimization and advanced modulation techniques.
3Productivity
If high-speed communication is added to existing systems, then data rate capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions into distinct high-speed and low-speed modem components. This segmentation allows each modem to operate independently at its optimized speed, simplifying the overall system architecture by avoiding the need for a complete system redesign while still achieving high data rate capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-pass filter acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the high-speed and low-speed modems. It allows the high-speed modem to operate without interfering with the low-speed communication, enabling both functions to coexist on the same infrastructure while managing the complexity of supporting multiple data rates.
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
Enables efficient two-way communication at high (115 kbits/sec) and low (1.2 kbits/sec) data rates over long distances, allowing for the retrofitting of advanced instrumentation into existing infrastructure with minimal disruption and cost, suitable for various power and communication arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
the or each low speed modem is coupled to the communications link via a respective low pass filter
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system transmits data in a control system for an underwater fluid well. A communications link is located between first and second facilities of the well. A data transmitter for transmitting data from one of the facilities to the other via the communications link has both a relatively high speed modem and a relatively low speed modem.