Subsea Blowout Preventer Electrical Power for Lighter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling and production systems rely heavily on hydraulic control fluid, which adds weight, is difficult to recharge efficiently, and lacks effective operational monitoring, particularly in subsea applications.
Innovation Solution
Transitioning to electrically operated components, such as batteries and flywheel generators, to supply and store electrical current, replacing hydraulic systems with electrical motors and actuators, and implementing electrical communications and distribution equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic control fluid accumulators are used to store pressurized control fluid, then the system can provide redundancy and control functionality, but the weight of the BOP system and supporting rig increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic control system with an electrical control system. Instead of using hydraulic accumulators filled with pressurized control fluid, the invention uses electrical batteries and flywheel generators to store and deliver energy. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy hydraulic infrastructure while maintaining system reliability through redundant electrical power sources and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from hydraulic pressure to electrical energy storage and delivery. By transitioning from fluid-based hydraulic accumulators to electrical-based energy storage devices (batteries and flywheels), the system achieves the same control functionality with significantly reduced weight and improved recharging efficiency.
2Reliability
If hydraulic control fluid accumulators are used, then control functionality is provided, but the accumulators are difficult to recharge in an efficient manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic recharging process with electrical charging mechanisms. Instead of requiring time-consuming hydraulic pump operations to refill accumulators, the system uses electrical batteries that can be rapidly recharged through electrical connections, and flywheel generators that can be quickly spun up to store kinetic energy. This dramatically reduces the time required to restore control system readiness.
3Reliability
If hydraulic control fluid accumulators are used, then the system can operate, but it is difficult to monitor the operational status of the control fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback systems with sensors that continuously monitor the operational status of electrical energy storage devices. Instead of difficult-to-monitor hydraulic fluid levels and pressure, the system uses electrical sensors to track battery charge states, flywheel rotational speeds, and overall system energy levels. This provides real-time, easily measurable feedback on system readiness and operational status.
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 transition reduces rig and equipment weight, improves operational control, and enhances data collection and monitoring, providing more accurate power and component feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the accumulator banks are replaced with devices that supply and/or store electrical current, such as batteries or a flywheel generator
Implementation Method 2
the accumulator banks are replaced with devices that supply and/or store electrical current, such as batteries or a flywheel generator
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout preventer stack includes an energy storage device and a remote operating vehicle (ROV) charging port coupled to the energy storage device. The ROV charging port is configured to receive port from an ROV to charge the energy storage device for the blowout preventer stack.