Offshore Platform Power Supply Black Start via Cascaded Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Offshore oil and gas platforms face challenges in reliable and efficient power supply due to distance from power sources, with traditional methods like power cables becoming impractical as demand increases, and local generation systems like solar and wind being intermittent. Existing power storage systems are insufficient for meeting high power requirements and often require manned intervention for black start routines.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system comprising a first power supply apparatus for lower energy levels, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a second power supply apparatus with a high-power energy storage system, and a control system for a black start routine that allows remote initiation and operation of the system, enabling the platform to start up without external power or intervention, using a cascaded arrangement with a high-power energy storage system to power critical components and a gas turbine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If power cables are used to supply electrical power to the offshore platform, then power can be supplied from external sources, but the solution becomes impractical when the electrical power demand increases and the cable length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power supplyVSAvoidcable length and power demand

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources (gas turbine generator, diesel generator, energy storage system) rather than relying on a single external cable connection. This allows the platform to operate autonomously while maintaining power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The platform uses locally available resources (produced gas from the platform) to fuel the gas turbine generator, making the system self-sufficient and independent of external power sources or fuel supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If solar or wind powered systems are used for local power generation, then no refuelling or external connection is required, but the power supply is intermittent depending on weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence from external sourcesVSAvoidintermittent power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple power generation technologies (gas turbine, diesel generator, solar panels, wind turbine, energy storage) into a hybrid power system. This combination ensures continuous reliable power supply while maintaining independence from external sources, as each component compensates for the weaknesses of others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system uses a composite approach by integrating different energy generation and storage technologies with complementary characteristics, creating a robust hybrid system that combines the reliability of conventional generators with the independence and sustainability of renewable energy sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If traditional energy storage systems are used, then they can support essential systems, but they are insufficient for meeting high power requirements and black start operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidpower supply capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dramatically increases energy storage capacity parameters by deploying a 2 MWh battery energy storage system, which is sufficient not only to support essential loads but also to provide the power needed for black start operations and start up of the gas turbine generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If manual intervention is required for black start routines, then the system can be restarted after shutdown, but significant losses in production occur and manned intervention is required for unmanned platforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblack start capabilityVSAvoidmanned intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage system is pre-charged during normal operation to ensure sufficient energy is available for black start operations. When a shutdown occurs, the system automatically uses the stored energy to restart essential systems and the gas turbine without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining continuous operation and preventing production losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11601011B2Power supply system for an offshore platform

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 EQUINOR ENERGY AS

AI summary

An offshore oil and gas platform has a power supply system with a cascaded arrangement for a black start. The power supply system includes a first power supply apparatus for providing power at a first energy level, an uninterruptible power supply arrangement configured to receive power from the first power supply apparatus, wherein the uninterruptible power supply is for powering at least one essential and/or safety critical component, and a second power supply apparatus for providing power at a second energy level to a main power distribution system, wherein the second energy level is higher than the first energy level, wherein the second power supply apparatus includes a power source and a high-power energy storage system capable of supplying power at the second energy level, and wherein the second power supply apparatus can receive and store energy from the first power supply apparatus.