Subsea Power Supply via DC Isolation and AC Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for supplying electrical power to subsea equipment via umbilicals are prone to mains voltage fluctuations, over-voltages, and harmonics, which can damage equipment and interfere with communication signals, leading to unreliable production control systems.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus and method involve converting direct electrical current to alternating current at the topside location and transmitting it through an umbilical, with communication signals superimposed on the alternating current, utilizing a DC stage to isolate electrical noise and prevent disturbances, potentially eliminating the need for communication blocking filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical power is transmitted via umbilical from topside AC mains, then power supply is established, but voltage fluctuations, over-voltages, and harmonics cause equipment damage and communication interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical noise and disturbances

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A DC stage is introduced as an intermediary between the AC mains and the subsea equipment. This DC stage converts AC to DC power, acting as a mediator that blocks harmful AC fluctuations, over-voltages, and harmonics from reaching the subsea equipment while still providing necessary power. The DC stage effectively filters out electrical noise and disturbances that would otherwise propagate through the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct AC power transmission system with a converted DC power system. By substituting the AC mains connection with a DC-powered umbilical system, the harmful characteristics of AC power (voltage fluctuations, harmonics, switching surges) are eliminated. The communication signals are then superimposed on this clean DC power line, achieving both power transmission and communication without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If communication signals are superimposed on power transmission (COP), then communication capability is achieved, but electrical noise causes signal corruption and spurious actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication signal integrityVSAvoidelectrical noise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The DC stage serves as an intermediary that isolates communication signals from electrical noise. By converting power to DC before superimposing communication signals, the system creates a clean baseline that prevents power line fluctuations from corrupting the communication data. This intermediary DC conversion stage effectively decouples the power and communication functions while allowing them to share the same umbilical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If AC to DC conversion is implemented at topside, then electrical noise is isolated, but additional conversion equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise immunityVSAvoidconversion equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DC conversion system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it converts AC to DC power, isolates electrical noise from subsea equipment, provides a clean platform for superimposing communication signals, and eliminates the need for separate communication blocking filters. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity despite the addition of conversion equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a more reliable and noise-immune power supply to subsea equipment, reducing equipment failures and interference, thereby enhancing the overall system reliability.

Implementation Method 1

second means, for converting said direct electrical current to an alternating electrical current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a step-up transformer connected between said source and said conversion means for increasing the voltage of the alternating current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

communication means coupled with said supply means for superimposing data on the voltage of said alternating current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal superposition:

Data Source

PatentEP2626994B1Supplying electrical power to subsea equipment

Publication Date: 2019.04.03 BAKER HUGHES ENERGY TECHNOLOGY UK LTD

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c

AI summary

Apparatus for providing electrical power to subsea equipment in a subsea well facility comprises, at a topside location: first means (1, 2, 6) for providing a direct electrical current; second means (7) for converting said direct electrical current to an alternating electrical current; and third means (5) for supplying said alternating electrical current to the subsea equipment.