Hybrid Optical Acoustic Wireless Communications Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies, such as acoustic and optical modems, face challenges in the aquatic environment due to noise interference from machinery and organic matter, limiting their effectiveness in offshore oil and gas production operations.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid optical/acoustic wireless communications platform that uses optical communications to transmit data horizontally between sensors and actuators near production equipment, with a vertical/horizontal relay node to clear noise, and acoustic communications to reach the surface, mitigating noise zones and extending communication ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If acoustic modem is used for wireless undersea communication, then communication range is extended, but communication quality deteriorates due to high noise from machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical modem as an intermediary communication device that operates in the deep ocean where acoustic noise from surface machinery does not reach. The optical modem receives data from acoustic modems in noisy zones and transmits it via light to surface vessels, effectively mediating between the noisy acoustic environment and the clean optical channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal acoustic communication at shallow depths to vertical optical communication from the deep seabed to the surface. By changing the spatial dimension and using the vertical water column as a transmission medium, the system avoids the horizontal acoustic noise zones generated by surface machinery.
2Reliability
If optical modem is used for wireless underwater communication, then communication quality is maintained, but communication range is limited and cannot reach the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication path into two segments: an acoustic segment from the sensor to a deep-ocean relay point, and an optical segment from the relay point to the surface. This segmentation allows each modem type to operate in its optimal performance zone, with the optical modem used only in the deep, quiet waters where it can maintain high quality over extended distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions a deep-ocean relay vessel or autonomous vehicle as an intermediary that carries an optical modem to the deep seabed. This intermediary enables the optical modem to reach distances it normally cannot cover by providing a mobile platform that can position itself optimally in the water column.
3Productivity
If optical communication is used near production equipment, then data transmission rate is high, but communication is degraded by organic matter and sunlight noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the optical communication operation from the shallow, sunlit zone near production equipment to the deep ocean zone below the optical noise field. By changing the vertical dimension and operating in deep water where sunlight does not penetrate and organic matter is sparse, the system maintains high data transmission rates without noise degradation.
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
This solution enhances the safety and efficiency of aquatic construction and production operations by providing a robust communication network that leverages the strengths of both optical and acoustic communications, reducing noise interference and increasing data transmission reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an optical communications system configured to send and receive optical communications signals along a bed of the aquatic environment
Implementation Method 2
an optical/acoustic communications signal converter configured to: a) receive optical communications signals from the optical communications system and transmit corresponding acoustic communications signals to the acoustic communications system; and b) receive acoustic communications signals from the acoustic communications system and transmit corresponding optical communications signals to the optical communications system
Implementation Method 3
an acoustic communications system configured to send and receive acoustic communications signals between the bed of the aquatic environment and a surface of the aquatic environment
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are hybrid optical/acoustic wireless communications platforms for aquatic environments, the platforms comprising: an optical communications system configured to send and receive optical communications signals along a bed of the aquatic environment; an optical/acoustic communications signal converter; and an acoustic communications system configured to send and receive acoustic communications signals between the bed of the aquatic environment and a surface of the aquatic environment.