Switching Section for 3-Phase to 1-Phase Power Stream Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct electrical heating systems in subsea applications face difficulties in efficiently supplying 1-phase power from topside facilities, leading to cumbersome installations and high maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
A 3-phase power source with a switching section that can selectively provide either a 3-phase or a 1-phase power stream, allowing even distribution of power to support various loads, including direct electrical heating systems, reducing the need for separate cable supplies and simplifying infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate 1-phase power supply system is installed from topside facility to subsea heating system, then the direct electrical heating system can be powered, but the construction becomes cumbersome and maintenance efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the 1-phase power supply for heating with the existing 3-phase power supply system by using the same three conductors. The switching mechanism allows these conductors to be reconfigured from a 3-phase configuration to a 1-phase configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power supply cables and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The three power supply conductors are designed to serve multiple functions: they can provide 3-phase power to motors during production operations, and be reconfigured to provide 1-phase power to the direct electrical heating system when needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated power supply infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If 1-phase power is supplied from topside facility to subsea heating system, then heating can be provided, but installation and maintenance efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating power supply is combined with the existing 3-phase power infrastructure. The same three conductors that deliver power to motors are reused for heating by reconfiguring the switching mechanism, thereby eliminating separate installation requirements and reducing maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a dynamic switching mechanism that can reconfigure the fixed power supply cables between 3-phase and 1-phase configurations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the rigid cable system to adapt to different operational modes without requiring physical reinstallation or complex separate routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate power supply systems are used for 3-phase motors and 1-phase heating, then each load receives dedicated power, but the overall system infrastructure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The three power supply conductors are designed as a universal power distribution system that can serve different load types (3-phase motors, 1-phase heating) by reconfiguring the switching mechanism. This single infrastructure replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated power supply systems for each load type.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution is segmented through switching mechanisms that can isolate and reconfigure different conductor groups. This allows flexible allocation of power to different loads by segmenting the three conductors into appropriate 3-phase or 1-phase configurations based on operational requirements.
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 simplifies the construction and maintenance of subsea electrical heating systems by enabling flexible power supply, reducing installation costs, and allowing the use of existing 3-phase infrastructure for both 3-phase and 1-phase loads, even in the absence of a topside facility.
Implementation Method 1
a switching section adapted to selectively provide from the three power source output terminals of the 3-phase power source: a 3-phase power stream at three arrangement output terminals or a 1-phase power stream at two arrangement output terminals
Implementation Method 2
a direct electrical heating (DEH) system has been installed, wherein the electric power has been provided from a topside facility, i.e. a facility which is located above the sea level. The direct electrical heating may heat a pipeline by running an electric current through the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement is provided for alternatively providing a 3-phase or a 1-phase power stream. In an embodiment, the arrangement includes a 3-phase power source including a first, a second and a third power source output terminal; a switching section adapted to selectively provide, from the three power source output terminals of the 3-phase power source, either: a 3-phase power stream at three arrangement output terminals or a 1-phase power stream at two arrangement output terminals, different from the three arrangement output terminals.