Subsea Power Feedthrough via External Penetrators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling and production systems face challenges with the high cost and short lifecycle of umbilicals used to deliver hydraulic and/or electrical power to subsea equipment, as they are prone to damage in harsh environments, leading to unreliable power supply to seabed and downhole components.
Innovation Solution
A system that eliminates the need for an internal umbilical by using an external power supply positioned proximal to the seabed, connected through penetrators that extend from the wellhead equipment to provide power to in-riser equipment, reducing the reliance on expensive and fragile umbilicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal umbilical is used to deliver power to subsea equipment, then power supply capability is achieved, but cost increases and reliability decreases due to damage risk in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the umbilical from the riser interior and positions it externally, eliminating the umbilical from the harsh in-riser environment. The external umbilical is routed outside the riser from the surface vessel to the subsea equipment, removing it from exposure to damaging conditions while maintaining its power delivery function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power transfer mechanism through the riser wall. A power transfer assembly with conductive elements (such as a conductive sleeve or contactless power transfer system) acts as a mediator, allowing power to pass through the riser wall without requiring an internal umbilical that would be exposed to harsh conditions.
2Power
If an internal umbilical is contained within the marine riser, then power delivery to seabed equipment is enabled, but the lifecycle of the umbilical shortens due to harsh in-riser environment
Solution Approach 1:
The umbilical is extracted from the harsh in-riser environment and repositioned externally. By routing the umbilical outside the riser, it is removed from exposure to high temperature, high pressure, and mechanical stresses that would otherwise shorten its service life, thereby extending its operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the power delivery system through the external routing arrangement. The power delivery function is maintained through an alternative pathway that avoids the harsh environment, effectively copying the essential function while eliminating the damaging exposure.
3Reliability
If an external power supply is used independent of surface equipment, then operational risks are reduced and lifecycle extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into independent functional modules. The external power supply unit is separated from the main surface equipment, allowing it to operate independently. This modular segmentation reduces operational risks by isolating potential failure points while making the system more manageable despite increased complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A subsea system includes in-riser equipment, and a surrounding structure configured to be coupled to a marine riser and a subterranean well. The in-riser equipment is positioned within the surrounding structure, and the surrounding structure comprises a power connection extending radially therethrough. The system also includes a power supply located outside of the surrounding structure. The power supply is connected to the in-riser equipment via the power connection through the surrounding structure, to communicate with the in-riser equipment.