Subsea Assembly Frame Integrated Heat Transfer Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing subsea assembly configuration is space-consuming and heavy, making it difficult to handle and position on the seabed, and the current cooling system is inefficient and costly to maintain due to its separate heat exchanger design.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a heat transfer element into the supporting frame of the subsea assembly, which serves both structural and cooling functions, reducing the footprint and weight while allowing for easier maintenance and improved heat exchanger efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate cooling assembly is used, then cooling function is provided, but footprint and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heat transfer element directly into the frame structure, merging the cooling function with the structural support function. The frame serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support and acting as a heat dissipation structure, thereby eliminating the need for a separate cooling assembly and reducing overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support and heat transfer. By making the frame multi-functional, the patent eliminates dedicated cooling components while maintaining effective thermal management, thus reducing the area occupied by the assembly.
2Temperature
If a separate cooling assembly is used, then cooling function is provided, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the frame structure, eliminating the need for separate cooling components. The frame itself becomes the heat dissipation structure, significantly reducing the total weight of the assembly while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame performs dual functions as both structural support and heat transfer component. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant cooling components and their associated weight, achieving lightweight design without compromising thermal management.
3Temperature
If heat exchanger is fixed to frame, then cooling function is provided, but maintenance and cleaning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer element is designed as a modular component that can be independently accessed and removed from the frame. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to easily detach and service the heat exchanger without disassembling the entire frame structure, significantly improving maintainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the heat transfer element and frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the heat exchanger to be easily detached for maintenance and reattached when serviced. This dynamic connection facilitates routine cleaning and repair operations.
4Area of stationary object
If narrow pipes are used in cooling assembly, then space is saved, but heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on pipe diameter for heat transfer, the patent utilizes the three-dimensional frame structure to provide extensive heat dissipation surface area. The frame's geometric configuration in multiple dimensions enables effective heat transfer without requiring large-diameter pipes, thus maintaining compact space utilization while achieving high heat transfer efficiency.
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 integrated heat transfer element reduces the subsea assembly's footprint and weight, enhances cooling efficiency, and simplifies maintenance by allowing direct access and improved heat transfer performance.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling assembly having at least a heat transfer element (6) integrated with the frame (7) that supports the subsea machine (1). The heat transfer element (6) may be surrounded by a coolant circuit (4)
Implementation Method 2
the configuration of pipes which are usually narrow, therefore with a reduced free convection coefficient
Implementation Method 3
a cooling assembly having at least a heat transfer element (6) integrated with the frame (7) that supports the subsea machine (1)
Implementation Method 4
The subsea assembly may include a coolant circuit using process gas for cooling some parts of the machine, which may be the electric motor and/or bearings
Implementation Method 5
a cooling assembly having at least a heat transfer element (6) integrated with the frame (7) that supports the subsea machine (1). The heat transfer element (6) may be surrounded by a coolant circuit (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea assembly comprising an electric subsea machine having an electric motor driving an operator, and a coolant circuit at least partially located in thermal contact with the electric motor, the coolant circuit including a cooling assembly located externally from the subsea machine, the cooling assembly comprising at least a heat transfer element, the subsea machine and the cooling assembly being supported by a common supporting frame; at least a part of the heat transfer element is integrated in the frame.