Offshore HVDC Converter Platform Layout for Reduced Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore HVDC converter platforms face challenges in minimizing their overall footprint, volume, and weight, which affects their efficiency, ease of fabrication, transportation, and installation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed topside platform for a VSC HVDC symmetrical monopole offshore converter station is designed with a first floor for transformer modules and an incoming AC switchgear module, and a second floor for converter modules, optimizing the layout to reduce the platform's dimensions and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If equipment is arranged in separate rooms/modules interconnected via electrical and mechanical interfaces, then operational functionality is achieved, but overall footprint, volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple equipment modules (transformer module, converter module, and AC switchgear module) into a single integrated topside platform structure. The modules are arranged on two floors of the same platform and interconnected through electrical connections and a common mechanical structure, eliminating the need for separate interconnected rooms and reducing overall platform volume, weight, and footprint.
2Ease of operation
If equipment is arranged in separate rooms/modules interconnected via electrical and mechanical interfaces, then operational functionality is achieved, but fabrication and transportation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple equipment modules into a single unified topside platform that can be fabricated as one complete unit. This merging approach simplifies fabrication processes compared to constructing separate interconnected modules, while still maintaining the functional separation of transformer, converter, and switchgear components within the integrated structure.
3Ease of operation
If equipment is arranged in separate rooms/modules interconnected via electrical and mechanical interfaces, then operational functionality is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple equipment modules into a single integrated topside platform, reducing the number of separate installation operations required. The modules are pre-positioned on two floors of the unified platform structure with electrical connections established during fabrication, simplifying the overall installation process compared to assembling and interconnecting separate modules at the installation site.
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 configuration results in a reduced overall footprint, volume, and weight of the platform, making it easier to fabricate, transport, and install, while providing a more economical solution.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second transformer modules are arranged on the first floor of the topside platform and are configured to transform the first AC signal into a second AC signal
Implementation Method 2
first and second converter modules configured to convert the second AC signal into a direct current, DC, signal for a DC circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A topside platform for a voltage source converter high voltage direct current, VSC HVDC, symmetrical monopole converter station. The topside platform including a first floor and a second floor, an incoming AC switchgear module, and first and second transformer modules, wherein the incoming AC switchgear module is configured to distribute a first alternating current, AC, signal from an AC grid to the first and second transformer modules, wherein the first and second transformer modules are arranged on the first floor of the topside platform and are configured to transform the first AC signal into a second AC signal; and first and second converter modules configured to convert the second AC signal into a direct current, DC, signal for a DC circuit, wherein the first and second converter modules are positioned on the second floor of the topside platform, wherein the incoming AC switchgear module is positioned between the converter modules.