Transformer-Based Power Transmission Across Metallic Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transmitting electrical power and signals through metallic walls, such as in oil and gas installations or vessels, often require penetrators that can be difficult and expensive to implement, compromising the pressure-proof nature of the walls.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing transformers with differently wound primary and secondary windings to transmit electrical power and signals across metallic walls without penetrators, allowing for efficient power and signal transfer between interior and exterior locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a penetrator with electrical cable is provided through the metallic wall to transmit electrical power and signals, then electrical transmission is enabled, but the pressure-proof nature of the wall is impaired and implementation becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic wall itself is used as an intermediary medium to transmit electrical energy and signals between the interior and exterior, eliminating the need for separate penetrator structures. The wall serves dual purposes: maintaining pressure containment while enabling electrical transmission through induced currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical penetrator structure is replaced with an electromagnetic field-based transmission system. Electrical energy and signals are transmitted through electromagnetic induction across the metallic wall without physical penetration, substituting mechanical intrusion with field-based interaction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical cables are run within the tubing to supply power, then power transmission is enabled, but cable damage risk and obstructions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cable is extracted from the interior space of the tubing and replaced by using the metallic wall itself as the transmission medium. This removes the vulnerable cable component from the interior environment where it would be exposed to damage and obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic wall serves as an intermediary that transmits electrical energy without requiring physical cables to traverse the interior space. Electrical signals are induced in the wall from the exterior and conducted to interior components, eliminating the need for interior cable routing.
3Reliability
If a penetrator is provided through the metallic wall, then electrical transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic wall performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains pressure containment and enables electrical transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate penetrator components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing metallic wall structure is utilized as the transmission medium rather than creating a separate penetrator pathway. This approach leverages the already-manufactured wall to serve dual purposes, avoiding the complex manufacturing of penetrator assemblies.
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
Enables reliable and efficient transmission of electrical power and signals across metallic walls, maintaining the integrity of the pressure-proof barrier while allowing for power delivery and signal communication between different locations, including in oil and gas installations and vessels.
Implementation Method 1
a first transformer, the electrical source being electrically connected to a primary winding of the first transformer and first and second ends of a secondary winding of the first transformer being electrically connected to respective spaced locations on the first side of the metallic wall for applying electrical power and/or electrical signals to the metallic wall
Implementation Method 2
a second transformer, first and second ends of a primary winding of the second transformer being electrically connected to respective spaced locations on the second, opposite, side of the metallic wall for picking up electrical power and/or electrical signals from the metallic wall
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power and/or electrical signal transmission system for transmitting electrical power and/or electrical signals from a location on a first side of a metallic wall to a location on a second side of the metallic wall includes a transmitting apparatus having an electrical source and a first transformer. A receiving apparatus has a receiving module for receiving electrical power and/or electrical signals and a second transformer. First and second ends of a primary winding of the second transformer are electrically connected to respective spaced locations on the second, opposite, side of the metallic wall for picking up electrical power and/or electrical signals from the metallic wall. The receiving module is electrically connected to a secondary winding of the second transformer to enable electrical power and/or electrical signals to be transmitted from the electrical source to the receiving module.