Subsea Flow Converter for Independent Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea well testing and intervention projects rely on hydraulic pressure and electrical signals routed through umbilicals from the surface, which can be cumbersome and limit power generation capabilities at subsea locations.
Innovation Solution
A subsea fluid flow is routed through a flow converter unit to generate electrical and/or hydraulic power, eliminating the need for surface-supplied power conduits, and allowing for energy storage for later use by subsea devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic pressure and electrical signals are routed through an umbilical from the surface, then power can be supplied to subsea devices, but the system becomes dependent on surface infrastructure and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea test tree system generates its own hydraulic power locally using a hydraulic motor coupled to an electrical generator. The hydraulic motor receives hydraulic fluid through existing flow paths and converts it to mechanical rotation, which drives the generator to produce electrical power for subsea devices, eliminating dependence on surface-supplied power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the surface umbilical system and relocates it to the subsea test tree. By installing a hydraulic motor and electrical generator assembly at the subsea location, the system separates power generation from surface infrastructure, allowing independent operation at depth
2Reliability
If an umbilical is used to supply hydraulic pressure and electrical signals, then power can be transmitted to subsea locations, but the system requires surface infrastructure and is less autonomous
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses locally available hydraulic fluid flow passing through the subsea test tree to drive a hydraulic motor, which in turn powers an electrical generator. This self-contained power generation approach eliminates the need for long umbilicals to supply power from the surface, enhancing autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the subsea test tree assembly: fluid flow control, power generation through hydraulic motor coupling, and electrical power supply to devices. This integration eliminates separate umbilical lines for power transmission, reducing system complexity and increasing reliability
3Productivity
If surface-supplied power conduits are used, then subsea devices can be powered, but operational efficiency is reduced and the system is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea test tree system generates its own electrical power using a hydraulic motor coupled to an electrical generator, utilizing hydraulic fluid that is already flowing through the system. This eliminates the need for separate surface-supplied power conduits, simplifying the system and improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid flow serving the subsea test tree performs dual functions: controlling test tree operations and driving the hydraulic motor for power generation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated power conduits from the surface, reducing system complexity
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 independent power generation and storage at subsea locations, reducing the need for surface-supplied power conduits and enhancing operational efficiency in well-related and non-well related applications.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid flow, such as an injection chemical fluid flow, is at least partially routed through a flow converter disposed at a subsea location. The flow converter converts energy from the fluid flow to energy used to operate a power generation device.
Implementation Method 2
The power generation device may be designed to generate electrical and/or hydraulic power which is utilized at the subsea location.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates powering of devices at a subsea location without requiring routing of hydraulic pressure and/or electric signals through an umbilical from a surface location. A fluid flow, such as an injection chemical fluid flow, is at least partially routed through a flow converter disposed at a subsea location. The flow converter converts energy from the fluid flow to energy used to operate a power generation device. The power generation device may be designed to generate electrical, hydraulic, or other suitable power which is utilized at the subsea location.