Offshore Power Delivery via DC Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling and underwater operations require reliable and efficient power delivery systems that are cost-effective and capable of transmitting high volumes of power over long distances, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an on-land three-phase power source, an AC-to-DC conversion module, a DC transmission line, and an offshore DC-to-AC inverter, where the AC-to-DC module converts three-phase power to DC power, and the DC-to-AC inverter converts it back to three-phase AC power for delivery to offshore loads, utilizing modular converter structures and high-frequency transformers for efficient power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If AC power is transmitted directly to offshore loads, then the system structure is simple, but power losses increase and transmission efficiency decreases over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter from AC to DC for transmission. By converting AC power to DC power at the source, transmitting it through DC cables, and then converting back to AC at the load, the system achieves lower power losses over long distances. The DC transmission mode reduces reactive power losses and allows for more efficient cable utilization, directly addressing the energy loss problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate conversion devices (rectifiers and inverters) as mediators in the power transmission system. These devices enable the transition from AC to DC for transmission and back to AC for load usage, facilitating efficient long-distance power delivery while managing the complexity through standardized conversion components.
2Power
If high power is transmitted to offshore loads, then the power delivery capability increases, but the size of submerged equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes DC transmission parameters that allow for more compact equipment design. DC-to-AC converter stations require smaller and lighter equipment compared to traditional AC transmission systems for the same power level, reducing the volume of submerged equipment while maintaining high power delivery capability to offshore loads.
3Productivity
If AC-to-DC conversion and DC-to-AC conversion are implemented, then transmission efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion system into separate functional modules: AC-to-DC rectification stage, DC transmission line, and DC-to-AC inversion stage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall transmission efficiency while managing complexity through modular design and standardized components.
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 enables reliable and efficient power delivery to offshore loads, reducing the size of submerged equipment and minimizing power losses, while being cost-effective and scalable for various offshore applications.
Implementation Method 1
an on-land AC-to-DC power conversion module configured to convert the three-phase power to DC power
Implementation Method 2
A DC transmission line may have a source end and a load end, where the source end is configured to receive DC power from the on-land AC-to-DC power conversion module
Implementation Method 3
An offshore DC-to-AC power inverter may be configured to receive DC power from the DC transmission line, convert the DC power to three-phase AC power
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering power to an offshore load is disclosed. The system may include an on-land source of three-phase power, an on-land AC-to-DC power conversion module, a DC transmission line, and an offshore DC-to-AC power inverter. The on-land AC-to-DC power conversion module may be configured to convert the three-phase power to DC power. The DC transmission line may have a source end and a load end, where the source end is configured to receive DC power from the on-land AC-to-DC power conversion module. The offshore DC-to-AC power inverter may be configured to receive DC power from the DC transmission line, convert the DC power to three-phase AC power, and deliver the three-phase AC power to an offshore load.