Offshore Power Supply Inversion for Auxiliary Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power supply systems for offshore electricity production, auxiliary equipment such as sensors and surveillance gear are left unpowered when the current source, like wind turbines, do not generate energy, and cannot be powered by the onshore electrical grid due to the unidirectional direct current flow, leading to a lack of power supply during energy absence.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system that includes a converter connected to a current source and a circulation bus with an injection device at the second end to introduce alternating voltage and a recovery device at the first end to convert this voltage into direct current, ensuring continuous power to auxiliary equipment without requiring a specific wired connection to the onshore grid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a unidirectional direct current converter is used to connect offshore current source to onshore grid, then current circulates only from source to grid, but auxiliary equipment cannot be powered when current source does not generate energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliability for auxiliary equipmentVSAvoidpower supply adaptability under different operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by enabling bidirectional current flow through the converter, allowing current to circulate not only from the offshore source to the onshore grid but also in reverse direction. This enables the onshore grid to power auxiliary equipment when the offshore source is not generating energy, resolving the contradiction between unidirectional converter design and the need for reliable auxiliary power supply under all conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a specific wired electrical connection is deployed between charge and onshore electrical grid, then charge can be powered when current source is not generating, but system complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply continuity for auxiliary equipmentVSAvoidelectrical connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing circulation bus and converter to serve dual purposes: transmitting power from offshore to onshore during generation, and reverse-powering auxiliary equipment during non-generation periods. This eliminates the need for separate wired connections specifically for auxiliary power, reducing system complexity while maintaining continuous power supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If converter allows bidirectional current flow to power auxiliary equipment from onshore grid, then auxiliary equipment can be powered continuously, but current circulation control becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supply to auxiliary equipmentVSAvoidcurrent circulation control simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive current circulation control that automatically adjusts the converter's operating mode based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically switches between unidirectional and bidirectional current flow modes, and between different power supply configurations, simplifying operation while ensuring continuous auxiliary equipment power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables continuous power supply to auxiliary equipment even when the current source is not generating energy, without the need for additional wired connections to the onshore grid, enhancing reliability and maintenance by using submerged and isolated components.

Implementation Method 1

a device for injecting additional alternating voltage at the second end of the circulation bus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAlternating voltage injection:

Implementation Method 2

a device for recovering the additional injected alternating voltage, the recovery device being connected between the first end of the bus and the charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9525362B2Power supply for a charge and electricity production plant

Publication Date: 2016.12.20 GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD(GB)

AI summary

A power supply system for a charge is provided. The power supply system includes a converter connected in input to a current source and in output to a charge, the converter being able to deliver a direct current to the charge and allow the circulation of the current in a single direction, from the current source to the charge and a circulation bus for an electric current, including a first end and a second end. The power supply system further includes a device for injecting an additional alternating voltage and at the second end of the circulation bus, the injection device being connected to the second end and a device for recovering the additional injected alternating voltage, the recovery device being connected between the first end of the bus and the charge, so as to supply the charge with electrical current.