Seismic Node Charging via Rail Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for charging and handling autonomous seismic nodes on marine vessels are inefficient, requiring manual replacement or recharging of batteries, which is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for physical connections, leading to corrosion and sealing issues, and result in extensive manpower and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system for simultaneously and automatically charging a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes using rechargeable battery cells, charging connectors, and a battery management system, allowing nodes to be coupled with a charging system on a marine vessel, with power sources, power stations, and a network for regulated charging, and utilizing a storage rack with charging rails for efficient charging within a CSC approved ISO container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual battery replacement or recharging is used for autonomous seismic nodes, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but time consumption and operational efficiency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous nodes to self-charge by automatically coupling with charging rails when placed in storage containers. The nodes independently establish electrical connections and receive power without human intervention, transforming a manual service task into an automated self-service process that dramatically improves productivity while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The charging infrastructure is pre-configured with charging rails in storage containers before nodes are deployed. Nodes are charged in advance during storage periods, ensuring they are fully powered before field operations begin. This preliminary charging action eliminates downtime and ensures continuous operational readiness
2Reliability
If physical cable connections are used for charging nodes, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but corrosion and sealing issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical cable connections with an automated rail-based electrical contact system. Charging rails make direct electrical contact with nodes through guided engagement, eliminating the need for flexible cables that are susceptible to corrosion. This substitution maintains reliable power transfer while removing the harmful corrosion factor associated with cable-based connections
Solution Approach 2:
The charging rail acts as an intermediary component between the power source and the node battery. This fixed rail infrastructure provides a stable, corrosion-resistant connection point that mediates the power transfer process, replacing vulnerable cable connections with a robust stationary contact system that is less susceptible to environmental degradation
3Measurement precision
If individual charging of nodes is performed, then charging accuracy is maintained, but extensive manpower and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple individual charging operations into a single unified charging infrastructure. Multiple nodes can be charged simultaneously in the same storage container by establishing individual electrical connections to charging rails, combining the scalability of parallel processing with the precision of controlled charging. This eliminates the need for extensive manual intervention while maintaining accurate charging parameters for each node
Solution Approach 2:
The charging rail system serves multiple functions: it provides power distribution, acts as a structural support element in storage containers, and enables simultaneous charging of multiple nodes. This universal infrastructure replaces the need for separate charging equipment and manual operations for each node, dramatically reducing manpower requirements while maintaining precise charging control through automated systems
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 rapid and automated charging of multiple nodes with reduced operator involvement, improving efficiency, reliability, and space utilization, allowing for large-scale operation of seismic nodes in the field.
Implementation Method 1
Each node includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells configured to power the node during deployment
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of charging connectors coupled to the plurality of rechargeable battery cells may be configured to couple with a charging system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses related to automatically and simultaneously charging a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes on a marine vessel before and/or after deployment to the seabed are disclosed. A plurality of autonomous seismic nodes are simultaneously charged in a CSC approved ISO container. Each autonomous seismic node may comprise a plurality of power connectors, a plurality of rechargeable batteries, and a battery management system. Each of the nodes may be configured to couple with a charging system on the marine vessel, which may include a power source, one or more power/charging stations, one or more power connectors, and a network. The node may have a plurality of power connectors disposed within a plurality of grooves that are configured to couple with a plurality of charging rails for simultaneous charging.