Hybrid Winch Torque Control for Offshore Anchor Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor handling systems for offshore semisubmersible oil rigs lack adequate control and backup power, risking crew safety when the propulsion system fails, as they rely solely on diesel engines, leaving no backup to manage tension on long anchor cables.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid winch system combining diesel and electric motors, with a dynamic torque impulse generator and backup battery power, providing controlled tension and release capabilities, including a computer-controlled torque profile for safe anchoring and de-anchoring operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diesel engine is used to power the winch for anchor handling, then the winch can provide sufficient power for setting and reclaiming anchors, but there is no backup power source available when the propulsion system fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a diesel engine and an electric motor into a hybrid power system that shares a common winch mechanism. The diesel engine serves as the primary power source, while the electric motor with battery provides backup power capability, merging two power systems into one integrated anchor handling solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor is designed to serve dual functions: it can operate independently as a backup power source when the diesel engine fails, and it can also work in conjunction with the diesel engine to provide additional power during high-demand operations such as setting or reclaiming anchors.
2Reliability
If the vessel relies solely on its propulsion system to manage anchor cable tension, then the system remains simple, but the vessel risks submersion when propulsion system power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid winch system is pre-configured with the electric motor and battery backup before any power failure occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the diesel engine fails, the backup power source is immediately available without requiring complex real-time decision-making or system reconfiguration during the emergency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor acts as an intermediary power source between the diesel engine and the winch mechanism. When the diesel engine fails, the electric motor mediates the power transmission to the winch, allowing controlled release and tension management without direct reliance on the failed propulsion system.
3Ease of operation
If a hybrid winch with backup power is implemented, then controlled release capability is provided during power failure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid winch system is designed to be self-regulating through automated control systems that monitor power availability and winch operation. When power failure occurs, the system automatically transitions to backup power mode and can execute controlled release sequences without requiring complex manual intervention or coordination between multiple operators.
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
Ensures safe and stable anchoring by managing tension with redundant power sources and automated torque control, preventing vessel submersion and maintaining steerage even in propulsion system failures.
Implementation Method 1
The winch is electrically driven from a diesel fueled generator on an anchor handler vessel at sea, with an additional battery powered source to provide additional winch horse power
Implementation Method 2
In another embodiment, a hybrid winch is provided that includes but is not limited to a hydraulic motor and an electric motor to control tension on the anchor cable during anchoring
Implementation Method 3
The winch is electrically driven from a diesel fueled generator on an anchor handler vessel at sea
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid winch system is disclosed, including but not limited to an electric winch; an electric generator for providing generator power to the electric winch; a battery for providing stored power to the electric winch; an anchor cable wound around a roller drum for the electric winch; an anchor attached to a distal end of the anchor cable; and a controller for applying the generator power and the stored power to the electric winch. A method for controlling the hybrid winch is also disclosed.