Pressure Tolerant Battery With Dielectric Fluid Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea well systems face challenges in providing reliable and pressure-tolerant electrical power for subsea control systems and devices, as existing batteries are not designed to withstand the high pressures and corrosive environments of offshore operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of pressure-tolerant batteries with lithium polymer cells housed in pressure-compensated annular segments, equipped with dielectric fluid and a pressure compensator, such as a bladder, which can be mounted on a mandrel within the riser annulus to provide primary or secondary power for subsea control systems and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing batteries are used in subsea environments, then they can provide electrical power, but they cannot withstand high pressures and corrosive environments
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure compensator bladder acts as an intermediary between the external high-pressure environment and the battery cell. The bladder fills with dielectric fluid to equalize internal and external pressures, preventing pressure differential damage to the battery while allowing it to operate reliably in deep-sea conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure compensator system uses hydraulic principles by filling the bladder with dielectric fluid that transmits pressure equally throughout the housing. This hydraulic pressure equalization protects the battery cell from external high pressure while maintaining operational reliability
2Reliability
If pressure compensator and dielectric fluid are added to protect battery, then pressure tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pressure transmission medium for the pressure compensator, provides electrical insulation for the battery cell, and can serve as a coolant. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding pressure tolerance capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pressure compensator fluid and electrical dielectric into a single integrated system using the same dielectric fluid for both purposes. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate fluid systems, reducing structural complexity while maintaining pressure tolerance
3Use of energy by moving object
If lithium polymer cells are used, then energy density is improved, but temperature range limitation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric fluid acts as a thermal intermediary between the lithium polymer cell and the external environment. It absorbs and dissipates heat generated by the high-energy-density cell, enabling operation at higher temperatures while maintaining the energy density benefits of lithium polymer chemistry
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
These batteries ensure reliable electrical power supply to subsea devices and systems, even in high-pressure environments, by maintaining operational integrity and extending the temperature range of lithium polymer cells through dielectric fluid circulation and temperature insulation.
Implementation Method 1
extending the temperature range of lithium polymer cells through dielectric fluid circulation and temperature insulation
Implementation Method 2
pressure-compensated annular segments, equipped with dielectric fluid and a pressure compensator, such as a bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure tolerant battery that may be utilized in a subsea riser includes one or more lithium polymer cells enclosed in a pressure compensated housing. The pressure tolerant battery can be mounted on a landing string a disposed in the riser annulus to provide electrical power to landing string and subsea well system devices.