Modular Subsea UPS Layout With Battery Heating Reuse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea UPS arrangements are costly and inefficient due to the need for extensive modifications and high equipment costs, as well as the limited number of installations, which complicates manufacturing and qualification processes.
Innovation Solution
A modular UPS arrangement for subsea applications that allows for easy adaptation of overall capacity by varying the number of battery, UPS, and control modules, with each module having a predetermined capacity, and the ability to scale up or down using the same main modules, including separate canisters for battery and UPS modules to optimize heat transfer and reduce external heating needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a subsea UPS arrangement is implemented with pressure compensated container and extensive modifications, then reliability and subsea qualification are improved, but equipment costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS arrangement is divided into separate functional modules: battery module, UPS module, and control module. Each module can be independently qualified and tested, simplifying the overall qualification process while maintaining system reliability for subsea applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the same basic modules to be used across different UPS configurations and capacities. A single module design can serve multiple applications at different water depths and power requirements, reducing the need for extensive custom modifications for each installation.
2Reliability
If subsea UPS arrangement is implemented with pressure compensated container, then operating environment is improved, but equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the UPS into separate modules that can be housed in standardized pressure compensated containers, the system benefits from improved operating environment while controlling costs through modular manufacturing and assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed capacity UPS arrangement is manufactured, then manufacturing process is simplified, but adaptability to different power needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS system is segmented into standardized modules with fixed capacities. By varying the number of modules assembled together, different overall capacities can be achieved while maintaining a simplified standardized manufacturing process for each module type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of capacity by adding or removing modules based on specific application requirements. The modular architecture enables the UPS arrangement to adapt to different power needs without requiring custom manufacturing for each capacity level.
4Reliability
If extensive subsea qualification program is conducted, then reliability is improved, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The qualification program is applied to individual standardized modules rather than complete custom systems. Once modules are qualified, they can be repeatedly used in different configurations, significantly reducing the total time and resources required for qualification across multiple installations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single qualification program validates the universal applicability of the modular design across different subsea applications. The qualified modules can be deployed in various UPS arrangements without requiring separate qualification programs for each installation.
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
Simplifies manufacturing and qualification processes, reduces costs by allowing the same modules to be used for different capacities, and efficiently manages power supply by optimizing heat transfer and module redundancy, while maintaining reliability and adaptability for subsea environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one battery module of a predetermined battery capacity
Implementation Method 2
at least one UPS module governing the battery module, the UPS module having a predetermined UPS capacity
Data Source
AI summary
An uninterruptible power supply, UPS, arrangement for subsea applications, including a container arranged and configured for subsea operation, and the following main modules arranged inside the container: at least one battery module of a predetermined battery capacity; at least one UPS module governing the battery module, the UPS module having a predetermined UPS capacity; at least one control module configured for interfacing and managing the battery module and the UPS module. The UPS arrangement is arranged and configured to vary its overall capacity based on at least the number of battery and UPS modules, wherein the at least one battery module and the at least one UPS module are internally arranged such that the heat losses from the UPS module are used to heat the battery module.