Subsea Ethernet LAN for High-Bandwidth Fluid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea communication systems, such as multi-drop bus systems, are inadequate for handling the increased data demands from sophisticated sensors and real-time video requirements in modern underwater fluid extraction facilities, as they lack the necessary bandwidth and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Local Area Network (LAN) based on Ethernet standards with a WAN protocol suite, utilizing a star or ring configuration, to enable efficient data transmission over long distances, replacing traditional virtual channel systems with commercial-grade industrial Ethernet components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a multi-drop bus system is used for communication, then the system is simple to implement and maintain, but the bandwidth is insufficient to handle increased data demands from sophisticated sensors and real-time video requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual communication circuits into a single high-speed fibre optic channel using time-division multiplexing (TDM). This merging approach allows multiple templates to share the high-bandwidth fibre optic infrastructure while maintaining dedicated virtual channels for each template, thereby increasing overall data transmission capacity without proportionally increasing physical infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibre optic communication infrastructure is designed to serve multiple functions: it carries control signals, transmits sensor data, and supports real-time video transmission all through the same physical medium. The universal TDM framework allows dynamic allocation of bandwidth to different functions based on priority and demand, making the system adaptable to varying data requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If dedicated circuits are allocated to each template in the umbilical cable bundle, then each template has guaranteed bandwidth, but the overall system complexity increases and the high-speed fibre optic link capability is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dedicated circuits are merged into a single high-speed fibre optic channel using time-division multiplexing. Each template retains its dedicated virtual channel with guaranteed bandwidth allocation, while physically sharing the high-capacity fibre infrastructure. This reduces the number of physical circuits needed while maintaining service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic bandwidth allocation through TDM, where time slots are dynamically assigned to different templates based on their current data transmission needs. This allows the system to adapt to varying bandwidth requirements in real-time while maintaining the illusion of dedicated circuits for each template.
3Quantity of substance
If virtual channels are multiplexed onto a single high-rate channel, then the fibre optic link speed is fully utilized, but the system becomes more complex requiring routers and packetization infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
A router with packetization capability serves as an intermediary device that manages the complex multiplexing operations. The router receives data from multiple templates, packetizes it with appropriate addressing and control information, and distributes it through the TDM-multiplexed fibre optic channel. This intermediary handles the complexity centrally, allowing simpler endpoint devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal multiplexing with optical signal multiplexing in the fibre optic domain. This substitution enables much higher data transmission rates while the TDM protocol layer manages the complexity of channel allocation and signal reconstruction at the receiving end.
4Reliability
If conventional subsea distribution techniques are used, then the system is reliable and proven, but it cannot handle the increased bandwidth requirements of intelligent subsea sensors and video transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The TDM-based fibre optic communication system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains reliable control signal transmission, handles high-volume sensor data, and supports real-time video transmission all through the same infrastructure. This multi-functional design allows the system to meet diverse bandwidth requirements while maintaining the reliability of conventional subsea communication principles.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for enabling communication between an underwater fluid extraction facility and a remote location comprises a fibre-optic cable connected between the facility to the remote location, signal transmission means at the remote location for transmitting signals to the fibre-optic cable, a distribution hub for receiving signals from the other end of the cable and at least one secondary hub located at the facility in communication with the distribution hub. Communication between the facility and the remote location is effected using a Local Area Network. Preferably Ethernet signalling is used throughout the network.