Portable Subsea Drive Module Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic power systems for subsea equipment are large, expensive, and prone to leaks, complicating tool delivery and increasing environmental impact due to fluid leakage and the need for extensive hydraulic lines.
Innovation Solution
A portable, electrically powered subsea drive module using magnetic coupling to provide electrical and mechanical power to subsea tools, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems and reducing environmental impact through a 'zero leak' power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic power systems are used to power subsea equipment, then reliable power and drive mechanisms are provided, but the system becomes large, expensive, and complex with significant space requirements on platform or vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical power transmission system with an electrical system. Instead of using hydraulic pumps, hoses, and fluid pressure to power subsea equipment, the invention uses electrical motors and cables to deliver power and control signals, thereby eliminating the complexity of hydraulic components while maintaining reliable power supply to subsea tools and equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic power transmission components from the subsea system. By eliminating hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, filters, and extensive hydraulic line networks from the platform and subsea equipment, the system is simplified to use only essential electrical components, reducing both device complexity and space requirements while preserving power delivery capability
2Power
If hydraulic power systems are used, then power is delivered to subsea equipment, but large and expensive hydraulic supply lines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical power transmission for hydraulic power transmission. Instead of requiring large-diameter hydraulic supply lines to deliver high-pressure fluid to subsea equipment, the invention uses electrical cables to transmit electrical energy, which can deliver equivalent or superior power with significantly smaller and more flexible conductors, reducing the length and complexity of supply lines
3Power
If hydraulic equipment is used on platform or vessel, then power is provided to subsea tools, but significant space is occupied on the platform or vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes hydraulic power generation and distribution equipment from the platform or vessel. By eliminating hydraulic pumps, power units, reservoirs, and associated machinery, the platform or vessel space is freed up while electrical power distribution systems occupy minimal space, thereby maintaining power provision capability while dramatically reducing the area occupied on the platform or vessel
4Ease of operation
If hydraulic connections are used, then power and control are transmitted, but hydraulic fluids can leak into the subsea environment causing environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic fluid-based power and control transmission with electrical systems. Instead of using pressurized hydraulic fluid that can leak from connections into the marine environment, the invention uses electrical signals and power through insulated cables, which eliminate the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage and the associated environmental contamination while maintaining the capability to transmit power and control commands to subsea equipment
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 subsea drive module simplifies tool delivery, reduces size and complexity, and minimizes environmental contamination by providing a clean, efficient power source for subsea operations, enabling the use of 'all-electric' ROV tools and reducing the need for hydraulic lines.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic coupling may optionally be deployed in the housing and configured to engage the corresponding magnetic coupling in the subsea tool via a non-contact magnetic coupling. Alternatively, the magnetic coupling may optionally be deployed external to the housing and configured engage the corresponding magnetic coupling in the subsea tool via a contact magnetic coupling.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4A
AI summary
A subsea tool assembly includes a subsea tool (200) and a subsea drive module (100) connected to and configured to provide drive power to the subsea tool. The subsea drive module includes a housing (110) configured for operation in a subsea environment, an electrical motor (130) deployed in the housing, and an electrical power supply (120) deployed in the housing. The electrical motor is configured to rotate a magnetic coupling (140) which is sized and shaped to magnetically engage a corresponding magnetic coupling (240) in the subsea tool. The electrical power supply is electrically connected to and configured to provide electrical power to the motor. Rotation of the magnetic coupling rotates the corresponding magnetic coupling in the subsea tool thereby providing drive power to the subsea tool.