Rigid Conductive Rod Interface for Subsea Motor-Compressor Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional compact motor-compressors used in subsea environments face challenges with high-voltage penetrators (HVPs) due to the exposure of flexible cables to process fluids, leading to insulation rupture during rapid gas decompression events, compromising the structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A rigid or semi-rigid conductive rod and receptacle interface is used to transmit electrical power from the high-voltage penetrator to the motor, eliminating the need for flexible cables and enhancing resistance to deformation, thereby preventing insulation failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible cables are used to transmit electrical current from HVPs to stator windings, then ease of installation and flexibility are improved, but structural integrity and reliability deteriorate due to insulation rupture during rapid gas decompression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the flexible cable from the system and replaces it with a rigid bus bar structure. The bus bar is directly coupled to the stator winding and HVP, eliminating the flexible cable that causes insulation rupture during rapid gas decompression events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the flexible mechanical cable system with a rigid electrical bus bar system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical flexibility that allows process fluid diffusion and insulation failure, while maintaining electrical conductivity through a structurally sound rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible cables with insulation are exposed to process fluid, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but reliability worsens due to diffusion of process fluid into insulation and subsequent rupture

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidinsulation integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the flexible cable with insulation from the system. Instead, it uses a rigid bus bar that does not require insulation against process fluid, thereby eliminating the diffusion problem entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rigid bus bar as an intermediary component between the HVP and stator winding. This bus bar serves as both the electrical conductor and structural element, eliminating the need for insulated flexible cables that are susceptible to process fluid diffusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If insulated flexible cables are used for power transmission, then ease of connection is improved, but durability deteriorates during rapid gas decompression events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the flexible cable from the power transmission path and replaces it with a rigid bus bar system that is directly integrated into the motor structure, eliminating the durability issue during rapid gas decompression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a rigid bus bar structure that combines electrical conductivity with structural strength. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate insulation layers that would fail under rapid decompression, providing both connection ease and long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The solution effectively prevents insulation rupture and maintains structural integrity during rapid gas decompression events, ensuring reliable power transmission to the motor-compressor without compromising the insulating material.

Implementation Method 1

A rigid or semi-rigid conductive rod and receptacle interface is used to transmit electrical power from the high-voltage penetrator to the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity:

Data Source

PatentEP3039296B1Interface for the transmission of electrical power to a motor-compressor

Publication Date: 2019.12.25 FESTA

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Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

An interface for transmitting electrical power to a motor of a motor-compressor is provided. The interface may include a receptacle having a first end portion coupled with a stator of the motor and a second end portion defining a hole at least partially extending therethrough. The interface may also include a plug configured to be detachably coupled with the receptacle. The plug may include a rigid, conductive rod having a first end portion configured to be coupled with a penetrator of the motor-compressor, and a second end portion configured to be at least partially disposed in the hole of the receptacle and detachably coupled therewith. The rigid, conductive rod may be configured to electrically couple the penetrator with the receptacle, and the receptacle may be configured to transmit the electrical power to the stator.