Subsea SEM Multidrop Network for High-Bandwidth Control Links

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current subsea control systems face challenges in achieving high bandwidth and flexible interconnects simultaneously, as they typically rely on costly point-to-point modem-based communication schemes that are bandwidth limited.

Innovation Solution

A subsea control system utilizing a multidrop configuration with Subsea Electronic Modules (SEMs) connected via high-speed communications conduits, employing IEEE 1901 or ITU-T G.hn standard compliant technologies for efficient data transmission and reception, supporting wide bandwidths and reduced infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hard-wired electrical connections and hydraulic lines are used for subsea control, then control functionality can be achieved, but the risk of corrosion, mechanical damage, and failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system reliabilityVSAvoidcorrosion and mechanical damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hard-wired electrical connections and hydraulic lines with wireless communication technology. The control system uses a wireless interface between the surface control system and the subsea control system, eliminating physical connections that are susceptible to corrosion and mechanical damage in the harsh subsea environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic communication system as an intermediary medium for transmitting control signals and data between the surface and subsea equipment. This acoustic intermediary enables communication without direct physical electrical or hydraulic connections, reducing the risk of corrosion and mechanical failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional subsea control systems with hard-wired connections are deployed, then control capability is established, but installation complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and maintenance easeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical wiring and hydraulic connection systems with wireless communication infrastructure. This substitution simplifies installation by eliminating the need for physical connection of electrical cables and hydraulic lines, and reduces maintenance requirements by removing components that are prone to degradation in subsea environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If extensive hard-wired electrical and hydraulic infrastructure is installed, then control functionality is achieved, but the risk of fire and explosion hazards increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against fire and explosionVSAvoidfire and explosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates hard-wired electrical connections and hydraulic systems that can generate sparks or heat, replacing them with wireless communication technology. This substitution removes the source of ignition that could trigger fire or explosion hazards in the presence of hydrocarbons, thereby enhancing safety in offshore drilling environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3645827B1A subsea control system

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 AKER SOLUTIONS LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3

AI summary

Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a subsea control system for transmitting subsea related data to and from a topside control system with the use of Subsea Electronic Modules (SEMs) connected in a network in a multidrop configuration.