Jack-Up Rig Gearbox Motor Control via Unidirectional Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jack-up rigs face inefficiencies and single-point failures due to the lack of individual control over gearbox motors used to raise and lower their legs, leading to noise issues and communication challenges in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for individually controlling and monitoring each of the 36 gearbox motors on a jack-up rig using unidirectional communication links, such as fiber optic cables, to improve security and efficiency, with a processor and computer-readable medium managing speed and load values for precise control and load distribution across the legs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual control of gearbox motors is implemented, then reliability and control precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent units, with each gearbox motor having its own controller that operates autonomously. This segmentation allows individual control of each motor, improving reliability by isolating failures to single units while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each gearbox motor is equipped with sensors that provide feedback on position, speed, and load conditions. This feedback mechanism enables precise control and monitoring of each motor's operation, ensuring proper loading and engagement while allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If unidirectional communication links are used, then security and noise interference are reduced, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional bidirectional communication systems are replaced with unidirectional communication links that transmit control signals from the central controller to individual motor controllers without returning feedback signals through the same path. This substitution reduces electromagnetic interference and noise while maintaining secure control communication.
3Measurement precision
If individual monitoring of gearbox motors is implemented, then load distribution precision is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated with each gearbox motor to provide real-time feedback on load conditions, position, and operational status. This feedback enables precise monitoring and measurement of load distribution across all motors, allowing the control system to detect and compensate for uneven loading conditions automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed including but not limited to a jack up processor in data communication with each of one of a plurality of gearbox motors over a first unidirectional data link for sending speed reference data to the plurality of gear box motors on the jack up rig leg to raise and lower a jack up rig leg; and a second unidirectional data link for load data from a sensor on each one of the gear box motors at the controller from the plurality of gearbox motors on the jack up rig leg. A method is disclosed for using the system.