Subsea Power Distribution Integrating DEH and Pressure Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea power distribution systems for oil and gas production facilities face inefficiencies and high costs when integrating direct electrical heating and pressure boosting technologies, as they require separate power umbilicals for each application, leading to increased capital expenditures and operational complexities in long subsea tiebacks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrate power distribution for subsea boosting and direct electrical heating through a subsea power cable connected to a switchgear module, adjustable speed drives, pressure boosting pumps, capacitor banks, and direct electrical heating cables, allowing for coordinated power delivery and management to optimize energy usage and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power umbilicals are used for direct electrical heating and pressure boosting, then each application receives dedicated power supply, but capital expenditures and operational complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate power umbilicals for direct electrical heating (DEH) and pressure boosting into a single integrated power distribution system. The subsea power cable delivers power to a switchgear module that distributes electricity to both DEH cables and pump motors, reducing the number of umbilicals from two to one and simplifying installation and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power distribution system serves multiple functions through a single infrastructure. The subsea power cable and switchgear module provide power to both heating applications and pressure boosting pumps, making the power distribution system universal and multi-functional rather than dedicated to single purposes.
2Reliability
If separate power umbilicals are used for direct electrical heating and pressure boosting, then each application receives dedicated power supply, but capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate power umbilicals for direct electrical heating (DEH) and pressure boosting into a single integrated power distribution system. The subsea power cable delivers power to a switchgear module that distributes electricity to both DEH cables and pump motors, reducing the number of umbilicals from two to one and simplifying installation and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power distribution system serves multiple functions through a single infrastructure. The subsea power cable and switchgear module provide power to both heating applications and pressure boosting pumps, making the power distribution system universal and multi-functional rather than dedicated to single purposes.
3Quantity of substance
If integrated power distribution is implemented, then capital savings and operational flexibility are improved, but power distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated power distribution system is segmented into modular components: a subsea power cable for power delivery, a switchgear module for distribution control, adjustable speed drives for pump control, and separate branches for DEH cables and pump motors. This segmentation allows complex functions to be managed through standardized, interchangeable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchgear module acts as an intermediary device that receives power from the subsea power cable and distributes it to multiple loads (DEH cables and pump motors). This intermediary component simplifies the power distribution architecture by providing a central control point rather than requiring direct connections from the power cable to each individual load.
4Quantity of substance
If integrated power distribution is implemented, then capital savings are achieved, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated power distribution system is segmented into modular components: a subsea power cable for power delivery, a switchgear module for distribution control, adjustable speed drives for pump control, and separate branches for DEH cables and pump motors. This segmentation allows complex functions to be managed through standardized, interchangeable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchgear module acts as an intermediary device that receives power from the subsea power cable and distributes it to multiple loads (DEH cables and pump motors). This intermediary component simplifies the power distribution architecture by providing a central control point rather than requiring direct connections from the power cable to each individual load.
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 integrated approach enhances operational flexibility, reduces life cycle costs, and optimizes power distribution by offsetting peak power utilization periods between DEH and subsea boosting systems, resulting in significant capital savings, especially for long distance subsea tiebacks and brownfield applications.
Implementation Method 1
Alternating current can be transmitted via DEH cables, and can be returned to the surface production facility through the flowline walls. As a result of the electrical resistance in the flowline walls, heat is generated.
Implementation Method 2
providing at least one capacitor bank electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of subsea adjustable speed drives
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for integrating power distribution for subsea boosting and direct electrical heating (DEH) of at least one subsea flowline. A subsea power cable located in a subsea environment is electrically connected to at least one power generator at a topsides location and delivers power to a subsea switchgear module which connects to subsea adjustable speed drives (ASD). At least one pump motor is electrically connected to at least one of the ASD, and at least one capacitor bank is electrically connected to at least one of the subsea ASD. A subsea pressure boosting pump is driven by the pump motor. At least one capacitor bank is electrically connected to at least one of the subsea ASD. At least one DEH is electrically connected to at least one of the subsea ASD in series with the at least one capacitor bank and in contact with the at least one subsea flowline. Power is distributed to the boosting and DEH equipment more efficiently and cost effectively.