Slip-Ring Arrangement for Turret-Moored Vessel Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel systems for transferring electrical power and signals between a rotating vessel and an underwater installation face challenges in expanding functionalities without additional space and minimizing downtime, as they are often designed for specific uses and lack flexibility for retrofitted additional power transfer capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A slip-ring arrangement with a housing and brush carrier unit that allows for the transfer of electrical power and signals between a vessel and an underwater installation, featuring a prefabricated and tested housing sub-units assembly, sealed to prevent explosive atmospheres, and a passive system driven by the vessel's rotation, with damping means to restrict minor movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional electric power transfer functionality is added to existing swivel means, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases and space requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The slip-ring arrangement is designed to provide multiple functions including electric power transfer, signal transfer, and fluid transfer within a single integrated structure. The housing contains multiple conductors that can handle both power and signals simultaneously, allowing the system to perform multiple operations without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip-ring arrangement is nested within the existing swivel means structure, specifically positioned within the housing of the swivel assembly. The brush carrier unit with brushes is nested within the housing containing the conductors, allowing the additional power transfer functionality to be integrated within the existing spatial envelope of the swivel means without requiring external expansion.
2Reliability
If the original swivel means is disassembled and replaced with a new assembly, then the reliability of power transfer is improved, but the loss of time increases due to extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The slip-ring arrangement is designed and pre-assembled as a complete functional unit within the housing before being installed in the swivel means. The housing containing the conductors and brush carrier unit is prepared in advance as a ready-to-install assembly, allowing for quick replacement without requiring time-consuming on-site assembly or disassembly of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip-ring arrangement merges the power transfer and signal transfer functions into a single integrated assembly that replaces the existing swivel means components as one unit. The housing containing both conductors and the brush carrier unit functions as a unified replacement assembly, reducing the complexity of installation and minimizing downtime compared to replacing separate components individually.
3Adaptability or versatility
If space on top of the swivel is used for additional power transfer components, then the electric power transfer capability is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slip-ring arrangement is nested within the existing housing of the swivel means, with the conductors and brush carrier unit positioned inside the housing boundaries. This integration allows the additional power transfer functionality to be accommodated within the existing spatial envelope of the swivel assembly without requiring any additional external space on the turret or vessel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional expansion (adding components on top of the swivel) to a three-dimensional integration (placing components within the internal volume of the housing). By utilizing the vertical and radial space within the existing housing structure rather than expanding horizontally on the turret surface, the power transfer capability is enhanced without increasing the footprint or external dimensions.
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 the addition of electrical power transfer capabilities to existing swivel systems without requiring extra space, reducing downtime, and maintaining operational safety by using a prefabricated and tested assembly that can be efficiently installed, ensuring reliable and secure power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a brush carrier unit that is in slidable contact with the electrical conductor means
Data Source
AI summary
Means for transferring electric power and/or signals comprises an electrical power slip-ring system (EPSR) (3) comprising a housing (4) containing an electrical slip-rings, the housing (4) being connected to a support structure (6) of a vessel (7) and a brush carrier unit (8) that is in slidable contact with the electrical conductor means, the brush carrier (8) being fixed to a turret (2). A swivel unit (10) extends thorough the center of the housing (4). The turret (2) and support structure (6) may be disposed on the vessel in various configurations such as an internal turret configuration, a submerged turret configuration or an external turret configuration.