ROV Deployed Buoy System Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for deploying and retrieving buoys and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in subsea operations are time-consuming and costly, often requiring multiple ROVs for installation and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed power buoy system that includes a buoy container with a surface buoy equipped with an electrical power generator, umbilical, and data communicators, allowing for single-unit deployment and retrieval with reduced resource and time requirements, utilizing a winch for lowering and raising the system, and featuring sensors and data loggers for monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If buoys and ROVs are deployed as separate operations with separate ROVs for installation and retrieval, then the deployment and retrieval operations can be performed independently, but the installation and retrieval processes become time-consuming and costly requiring multiple ROVs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the buoy and ROV into a single integrated deployable unit. The ROV is positioned within a cage structure that is attached to the buoy container, allowing both components to be deployed and retrieved together as one operation rather than separately. This merging eliminates the need for multiple ROVs and reduces deployment time while maintaining independent operational capabilities of both the buoy and ROV.
2Ease of operation
If multiple ROVs are used for installation and retrieval operations, then the deployment can be performed independently, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the buoy and ROV into a single deployable unit with the ROV positioned within a cage attached to the buoy container. This integration allows one ROV to perform both deployment and retrieval operations, eliminating the need for multiple separate ROVs while maintaining the ability to operate the buoy and ROV independently once deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit design provides multi-functionality where a single ROV can perform multiple functions: deploying the buoy, positioning the ROV, and retrieving the entire assembly. The ROV serves as both the deployment mechanism and the operational vehicle, reducing the total number of ROVs needed while maintaining operational versatility.
3Reliability
If buoys and ROVs are deployed separately with additional ROVs for assistance, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall system becomes more complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the buoy and ROV into a single deployable system where the ROV is positioned within a cage structure attached to the buoy container. This merging simplifies the overall system configuration by eliminating the need for separate deployment mechanisms and additional assisting ROVs, while still allowing independent optimization of each component's design and functionality.
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 system enables efficient and cost-effective deployment and retrieval of ROVs by providing a self-sufficient power source and communication system, reducing the need for multiple ROVs and streamlining the installation and retrieval process.
Implementation Method 1
each surface buoy 20 typically comprising electrical power generator 30 disposed at least partially within surface buoy 20
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a winch for lowering and raising the system
Implementation Method 3
one or more surface buoys 20 selectively releasably disposed at least partially within one or more buoy containers 12
Data Source
AI summary
A surface buoy comprising a resident electrical power supply allows the surface buoy to be an integrated part of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed power buoy system which makes transport and installation more efficient than alternatives. The ROV deployed power system can be operational via built in radio link and kept operational during service, transport, testing, installation, and operation.