Dynamic Ring Bus Fault Protection for DP Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamically positioned vessels face high fuel consumption and increased risk of blackouts during high-risk operations due to the need for multiple engines to run at reduced load, leading to inefficient operation and potential loss of position.
Innovation Solution
A fault protection system that separates the power system into sections connected by bus ties in a ring configuration, using differential over-current protection and ride-through systems to isolate faults and maintain operation with closed circuit breakers, allowing for reduced generator usage and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power system is split into several isolated sections with multiple engines running in parallel at reduced load to ensure safety during high-risk operations, then the reliability and safety of the power system is improved, but the fuel consumption increases and engine efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into multiple isolated sections with fire-proof and water-tight walls, each section having its own engines and generators. This segmentation allows the system to maintain safety through isolation while enabling selective operation of engine groups to optimize fuel efficiency during different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational configuration by switching between different modes: during normal operations, sections are electrically isolated with selective engine operation for fuel efficiency; during high-risk operations, bus ties are closed to interconnect sections for enhanced safety. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between safety and fuel efficiency.
2Reliability
If multiple engines run in parallel at reduced load to maintain power system integrity, then the reliability is improved, but the operating hours increase and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power system into isolated sections, the patent enables selective operation where not all engines need to run continuously. During normal operations, fewer engines can be operated while maintaining system integrity, thereby reducing total operating hours and maintenance requirements while preserving reliability through the redundant isolated sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the number of operating engines based on risk level. During low-risk normal operations, the system operates with fewer engines at higher load, reducing total operating hours. During high-risk operations, additional engines are brought online with bus ties closed, maintaining integrity while accepting increased operating hours temporarily.
3Reliability
If the power system sections are electrically isolated by opening bus ties to prevent fault propagation, then the safety is improved, but the fuel consumption and CO2 emission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical configuration of bus ties is dynamically adjusted based on operational risk level. During normal operations, bus ties are open to isolate sections, enabling fuel-efficient selective engine operation. During high-risk operations, bus ties are closed to interconnect sections, allowing all engines to operate at higher efficiency points. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between fault isolation and emissions by adapting the isolation level to operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical connectivity parameter of bus ties based on operational mode. When bus ties are open, sections are isolated for fault protection. When bus ties are closed, sections are interconnected for optimized fuel efficiency and reduced emissions during high-risk operations. This parameter change allows the system to balance safety and environmental impact.
4Use of energy by moving object
If bus ties are closed to operate with fewer generators at higher load for fuel efficiency, then the fuel consumption is reduced, but the risk of total blackout increases upon fault occurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operational configurations: during normal low-risk operations, bus ties are closed to enable fuel-efficient operation with fewer generators. During high-risk operations, bus ties are opened to isolate sections, accepting reduced fuel efficiency in exchange for enhanced safety and reduced blackout risk. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fuel efficiency and blackout risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectivity parameter of bus ties is changed based on risk assessment. Closed bus ties enable fuel-efficient operation but increase blackout risk. Open bus ties reduce fuel efficiency but provide fault isolation and reduce blackout risk. The system changes this parameter according to operational context to balance the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A fault protection system for a power system of a dynamically positioned vessel is provided. The power system is separated into two or more power system sections, each including a bus section of a power distribution bus. The bus sections are connected by bus ties in a ring configuration. Each bus section includes a connection to a generator and a connection to a thruster drive of the dynamically positioned vessel. The fault protection system includes a fault isolation system which includes for each power system section a bus tie circuit breaker for breaking the connection provided by the bus tie.