Subsea Power Distribution System with Surface Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea power distribution systems require large and expensive components to power small subsea loads, and current solutions involving subsea cables for individual loads are costly and difficult to install, especially in deep waters.
Innovation Solution
A subsea power distribution system that transforms high voltage input power to a lower voltage level, using a distribution circuit with multiple power paths, each equipped with an inverter and a distribution path transformer to output AC power at a higher voltage level, allowing for efficient and cost-effective power delivery to subsea loads while minimizing the need for heavy subsea components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional subsea power grid components (transformer, switchgear, VSD) are used to power subsea loads, then power distribution capability is improved, but component size, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power distribution function into separate modules: a surface-based power conversion system and multiple subsea cable connections to individual loads. This segmentation eliminates the need for large centralized subsea components while maintaining power distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy and expensive power conversion components (transformer, switchgear, VSD) are extracted from the subsea environment and relocated to the surface. Only lightweight cable connections remain subsea, dramatically reducing subsea component weight while preserving full power distribution functionality.
2Power
If traditional subsea power grid components are used, then power distribution capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expensive power conversion components are extracted from the subsea environment and placed on the surface where they can be manufactured using standard industrial processes. This eliminates the need for specialized pressure-resistant enclosures and complex subsea-rated components, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standard, off-the-shelf power conversion equipment on the surface rather than expensive, custom-built subsea-rated components. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness over durability in the subsea environment, achieving significant cost savings.
3Power
If individual subsea cables are used for each small load, then power supply capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses individual cable connections from the surface power conversion system to each subsea load. This segmented approach allows for simpler, more flexible installation compared to complex subsea cable networks, while providing dedicated power supply to each 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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective power distribution to subsea loads, reduces the size and cost of components, and allows for flexible configuration and long-distance power transmission, while maintaining system reliability and fault tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
an input transformer coupled to the power input and adapted to transform received electrical power to a second voltage level which is lower than the first voltage level
Implementation Method 2
a distribution path transformer coupled to the respective inverter and configured to transform the output AC electrical power to a fourth voltage level which is higher than the third voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea power distribution system is provided. The subsea power distribution system includes a power input for receiving electrical power at a first voltage level and an input transformer coupled to the power input and adapted to transform received electrical power to a second voltage level which is lower than the first voltage level. A distribution circuit distributes received electrical power to two or more power distribution paths. At least one rectifier unit receives transformed electrical power from the input transformer and outputs rectified electrical power. The two or more power distribution paths each have an inverter configured to receive rectified electrical power from the rectifier unit and to output AC electrical power at a third voltage level, and a distribution path transformer coupled to the respective inverter and configured to transform the output AC electric power to a fourth voltage level which is higher than the third voltage level.