Modular Electrical Control System for Jack Up Rigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jack up installations are complex operations requiring the interconnection of hundreds of parts, leading to increased complexity, language barriers, and high costs due to the need for extensive assembly and commissioning on offshore rigs, which can take weeks and result in significant downtime and monetary penalties.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical control system is developed, comprising preassembled and pretested modules with integrated power and control systems, which are designed to be easily connected on-site, reducing the complexity of assembly and minimizing shipyard involvement by using a module housing with a control cable marshaling panel and power panel, and a computer-based system for designing modules that accommodate specific design parameters such as load-bearing capacity and physical space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional jack up installations use hundreds of separate parts requiring extensive interconnection, then the system can achieve complete functionality, but the assembly complexity and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular equipment sections that can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled. Each module contains pre-assembled equipment and integrated cable systems, allowing parallel assembly of multiple sections before final integration on the rig, thereby reducing on-site assembly complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
Equipment sections are pre-assembled and pre-tested in controlled manufacturing environments before shipment to the rig. Cable trays and power/control cables are pre-installed within modules during fabrication, eliminating the need for complex on-site cable routing and connection work, thus reducing installation time and complexity
2Reliability
If extensive assembly and commissioning operations are performed on offshore rigs, then complete system functionality is achieved, but rig downtime increases leading to monetary penalties
Solution Approach 1:
All equipment sections are pre-assembled, pre-wired with power and control cables, and pre-tested for functionality in the manufacturing facility before being shipped to the offshore rig. This preliminary commissioning ensures that modules arrive ready-to-install, minimizing on-site assembly time and rig downtime while maintaining complete system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular equipment section is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated power distribution and control systems. The modules can be independently installed and connected to the rig without requiring extensive interconnections between separate components, enabling faster deployment and reducing rig downtime
3Reliability
If traditional installation methods require hundreds of interconnections to be made on-site, then complete system integration is achieved, but the risk of equipment damage during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into robust modular units with internal equipment and cable systems protected within each module during transport and installation. Only standardized external connections are made between modules on the rig, minimizing the number of vulnerable connection points and reducing the risk of equipment damage during on-site assembly
Solution Approach 2:
All cable connections, power wiring, and equipment integrations are completed and tested within protected module enclosures during manufacturing. This preliminary integration protects sensitive equipment and cable connections from damage during shipping and on-site installation, while ensuring complete system integration is achieved through standardized module interconnections
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for building a modular electrical system for a jack up rig, the method including but not limited to identifying rig equipment on the jack up rig that will be connected to the modular electrical system; selecting electrical equipment to control the rig equipment; placing the electrical equipment in an electrical module; and electrically connecting the electrical equipment to power cables and control cables inside of the electrical module; and testing the electrical equipment inside of the electrical module.