Subsea Power Data Transmission via PWM Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication and power systems for subsea hydrocarbon well facilities suffer from inaccuracies, space inefficiencies, noise, and power losses due to the use of hardware analogue filters, and are prone to data corruption from transients in long offset power and data transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
The system employs pulse width modulation (PWM) or time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques to simplify line signaling and arbitration, allowing for efficient transmission of electrical power and data by switching between power delivery and communication phases, using DC supply and energy storage with modulators to ensure minimal power delivery and effective communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware analogue filters are used for separating power and data waveforms, then bi-directional transmission is enabled, but the system introduces distortions, noise, power losses and requires extensive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtering function from hardware components and implements it through software-based signal processing algorithms. The digital signal processor separates power and data waveforms through computational methods rather than physical filters, eliminating the need for bulky hardware filters while maintaining bi-directional transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical hardware filter system with a digital signal processing system. Instead of using physical filters to separate waveforms, the invention uses digital algorithms executed by a processor to achieve waveform separation, thereby reducing hardware complexity and space requirements.
2Productivity
If hardware analogue filters are used for waveform separation, then power and data can be transmitted simultaneously, but the system introduces distortions and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware analogue filters with digital signal processing to separate power and data waveforms. This substitution eliminates the distortions and noise introduced by physical filters while maintaining the ability to transmit power and data simultaneously through the same medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the transmission system by using pulse width modulation for data encoding on top of the power waveform. By modulating the duty cycle of the power waveform rather than superimposing a separate data signal, the system achieves simultaneous transmission with improved signal quality and reduced interference.
3Power
If transformer and power filter hardware is used at both ends of the transmission line, then power extraction is enabled, but the system becomes space intensive and introduces power losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional transformer-based power extraction with a digital control approach using pulse width modulation. By varying the duty cycle of the transmitted power waveform, the receiving end can extract the required amount of power without needing bulky transformers and power filters, thereby reducing energy losses and space requirements.
4Reliability
If continuous power delivery is maintained for long distance transmission, then reliable power supply is ensured, but the system cannot accommodate bidirectional communication during power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using pulse width modulation where the power waveform is delivered in controlled pulses with varying duty cycles. This periodic structure allows the system to maintain continuous power delivery while embedding communication signals within the power waveform, enabling both reliable power supply and bidirectional communication simultaneously.
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
This approach reduces power losses and noise, enhances data accuracy, and ensures reliable bi-directional communication and power delivery over long distances with reduced hardware complexity, optimizing power transfer and data transmission in subsea environments.
Implementation Method 1
using either pulse width modulation (PWM) or time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques
Implementation Method 2
using either pulse width modulation (PWM) or time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication system for transmitting electrical power and data between a first end of a transmission line (23) and a second end of the transmission line comprises, at the first end: DC supply means (14) for supplying direct current to the transmission line; first switching means (13) for switching the DC supply means; and a first modulator (12) for operating the first switching means. At the second end, the system comprises: energy storage means (19) for storing and supplying DC power; second switching means (16) for switching power from the energy storage means; and a second modulator (15) for operating the second switching means. The first modulator operates the first switching means to provide a communication on power signal from the first end of the transmission line to the second end of the transmission line, the second modulator operates the second switching means to provide communications from the second end of the transmission line to the first end of the transmission line, and communications from the second end of the transmission line to the first end of the transmission line are provided only when power from the first end of the transmission line to the second end of the transmission line is not being provided by said signal.