Powerline Interface Communication for Subsea Valve Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of electrical interfaces between subsea control systems and actuators in electrical actuation systems, compared to electrohydraulic systems, pose challenges in reducing CAPEX and OPEX while maintaining system reliability.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Communication Over Powerline System (COPS) via a power cable connection, utilizing only Live 1 (L1) or Live 2 (L2) input signals over wet mating connectors, to provide power and control communication for subsea valve actuators, while incorporating built-in redundancy and minimizing electrical connection members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical actuation is used instead of electrohydraulic actuation, then system reliability and availability are improved, but CAPEX and OPEX increase due to quantity of electrical interfaces and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and communication functions into a single electrical interface. The power cable connection provides both electrical power to the actuator and communication signals through the same conductors, eliminating the need for separate communication cables and connectors. This merging reduces the total number of electrical interfaces while maintaining both power supply and data communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical interface is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The power conductors in the cable connection are used both for delivering electrical power to the actuator motor and for transmitting communication signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated communication infrastructure and simplifies the overall electrical interface requirements.
2Ease of operation
If full electrical actuation with separate communication interfaces is implemented, then command and control capability is enhanced, but the pin count and connector quantity increase notably
Solution Approach 1:
Communication signals are superimposed on the power conductors using modulation techniques. The modem unit modulates communication signals onto the power cable conductors, allowing data transmission through the same physical medium used for power delivery. This eliminates the need for separate communication cables and reduces connector quantity significantly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connectors and junction boxes are used to provide power and communication, then system functionality is complete, but cost and potential impact on reliability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power and communication into a single integrated interface using the power cable for both purposes. This reduces the number of connection points and potential failure modes associated with multiple connectors and junction boxes, thereby improving reliability while maintaining complete system functionality through the dual-use interface.
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 approach reduces the number of electrical connectors and pins, thereby lowering costs and complexity while enhancing system reliability and reducing environmental impact, while also providing adequate command and control with limited diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
GB 2 352 376 A discloses a telemetry system in which data signals are modulated on power signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A subsea system, a communication system for determining operation of at least one subsea actuator member, and apparatus for controlling one or more valves are disclosed. The subsea system comprises at least one auxiliary equipment and/or valve actuator module; and at least one modem unit that receives power signals; wherein the auxiliary equipment is responsive to an output provided by the modem unit.