Subsea Electronics Module Selector Circuit for Redundant Pod Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing subsea BOP systems face challenges in efficiently switching between redundant control pods, leading to time-consuming processes, wear and tear on solenoid and hydraulic valves, and reduced system reliability due to continuous activation and deactivation without fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a selector circuit that allows for independent electrical activation or deactivation of subsea electronics modules (SEMs) within the control pods, enabling selective SEM activation to control fluid flow and reduce unnecessary valve operation, thereby enhancing redundancy and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the redundant control pod is switched to active state, then system reliability is improved, but the switching process becomes time-consuming and technically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into independent SEM modules, each capable of independent activation and deactivation. This allows individual SEM switching without requiring complete pod shutdown and restart sequences, significantly reducing switching time while maintaining redundancy and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of multiple SEMs in standby states with pre-established hydraulic pathways. When switching is required, the standby SEM is already prepared and can be activated immediately through simple electrical switching, eliminating the need for time-consuming activation sequences and reducing overall switching time.
2Ease of operation
If the deactivated POD continues to receive signals and activate/deactivate solenoid valves, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but valve wear increases and component life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the deactivated SEM can be electrically disconnected from the hydraulic valve circuitry. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to maintain electrical connectivity for monitoring purposes while physically preventing valve actuation in the deactivated pod, thereby reducing wear and extending component life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the solenoid valve actuation function from the deactivated SEM by providing separate electrical pathways. The deactivated SEM remains electrically connected for status monitoring but is excluded from the control signal pathway that activates solenoid valves, preventing unnecessary valve operation and extending their service life.
3Reliability
If multiple deactivations and activations are required during pod switching, then redundant control is maintained, but the process becomes technically challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture into independently controllable SEM modules with dedicated electrical and hydraulic pathways. This segmentation allows a single SEM switch rather than multiple coordinated deactivations and activations, simplifying the switching process while maintaining redundant control through the availability of standby SEMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the SEM modules with universal functionality where each SEM can independently control the complete set of hydraulic valves. This multi-functionality allows any SEM to take over control duties immediately, eliminating the need for complex sequential switching operations and reducing the number of steps required for pod transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of PODs for a lower marine riser package (LMRP) is disclosed. At least a first subsea electronics module (SEM) and a second SEM are provided in a first POD of the plurality of PODs. At least a third SEM and a fourth SEM are provided in a second pod. The third SEM is redundant with the first SEM and the fourth SEM is redundant with the second SEM. At least one selector circuit is provided to transmit an SEM select signal that electrically activates or electrically deactivates the first SEM separately from the third SEM. As a result, each of the SEMs in the plurality of PODs may be separately activated or deactivated without a need to turn off fluid provided to hydraulic valves in the first and the second PODs that are controlled by corresponding SEMs.