WO2014170320A1 - Subsea power distribution device and system - Google Patents

Subsea power distribution device and system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014170320A1
WO2014170320A1 PCT/EP2014/057609 EP2014057609W WO2014170320A1 WO 2014170320 A1 WO2014170320 A1 WO 2014170320A1 EP 2014057609 W EP2014057609 W EP 2014057609W WO 2014170320 A1 WO2014170320 A1 WO 2014170320A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power distribution
distribution device
subsea power
subsea
switch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/057609
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Torbjørn STRØMSVIK
Ragnar ERETVEIT
Ola JEMTLAND
Original Assignee
Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=50489105&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO2014170320(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As filed Critical Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As
Priority to EP14717776.0A priority Critical patent/EP2987213B1/en
Priority to AU2014255838A priority patent/AU2014255838A1/en
Priority to CA2902847A priority patent/CA2902847C/en
Priority to US14/785,311 priority patent/US10164430B2/en
Priority to SG11201508503SA priority patent/SG11201508503SA/en
Priority to BR112015026264-3A priority patent/BR112015026264B1/en
Priority to RU2015146205A priority patent/RU2664507C2/en
Publication of WO2014170320A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014170320A1/en
Priority to AU2018211290A priority patent/AU2018211290A1/en
Priority to AU2020239685A priority patent/AU2020239685A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/035—Well heads; Setting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B7/00—Enclosed substations, e.g. compact substations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
    • H01F27/02—Casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
    • H01F27/08—Cooling; Ventilating
    • H01F27/10—Liquid cooling
    • H01F27/12—Oil cooling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G9/00—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water
    • H02G9/02—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water laid directly in or on the ground, river-bed or sea-bottom; Coverings therefor, e.g. tile
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H7/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
    • H02H7/04—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for transformers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
    • H01F27/28—Coils; Windings; Conductive connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H7/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
    • H02H7/26—Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occured
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S10/00—Systems supporting electrical power generation, transmission or distribution
    • Y04S10/16—Electric power substations
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S10/00—Systems supporting electrical power generation, transmission or distribution
    • Y04S10/20—Systems supporting electrical power generation, transmission or distribution using protection elements, arrangements or systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to distribution of electric power to subsea equipment.
  • the invention relates to a subsea power distribution device, comprising a watertight housing accommodating a transformer, the transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings; input terminals, electrically connected to the primary winding, arranged to be connected to a remote power supply; and output terminals, electrically connected to the secondary windings, arranged to be connected to subsea power consuming devices.
  • the invention also relates to a corresponding subsea power distribution system and method.
  • subsea equipment such as subsea production installations.
  • subsea equipment may include, i.a., compressors, pumps, and any other electrically powered subsea equipment.
  • the electrical power to be distributed to such subsea equipment may be supplied from land, e.g. an onshore power plant, or from an offshore power generating facility, e.g. on a ship or platform.
  • Such subsea equipment may have high power requirements, and electric power must usually be transferred across long distances.
  • a high voltage is used for the remote power supply.
  • the high voltage power supply is connected to a subsea power distribution device which includes a transformer that provides a lower voltage power supply which is connected to subsea power consuming devices.
  • the transformer may be
  • the transformer may be a multi-winding transformer, having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings.
  • the primary winding is electrically connected to input terminals which arranged to be connected to the remote, high voltage power supply.
  • the secondary windings are electrically connected to output terminals which are further arranged to be connected to the subsea power consuming devices.
  • a disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the secondary transformer windings have no protection against a failure in one of the circuits connected to a secondary winding, e.g. a ground fault, an overload or a short circuit in one of the subsea power consuming devices.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating certain further aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating certain further aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
  • the subsea power distribution device comprises a watertight housing 101 which accommodates at least one transformer 102. Also shown are additional transformers 103, 104, which may also be included in the watertight housing 101. As will be appreciated, any suitable number of transformers, for instance 1 , 2, 3 or 4 transformers, may be included in the power distribution device. Each additional transformer 103, 104 may e.g. be equal to, similar to, or different from the transformer 102.
  • the transformer 102 has a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings, i.e., a multiwinding transformer.
  • the primary winding has not been shown, for simplicity of illustration.
  • the plurality of secondary windings which in this example includes 4 secondary windings, has been illustrated within the transformer 102.
  • Each secondary winding is feeding one power consuming device.
  • the term power consuming device should be understood to mean either one single power consuming unit or a power distribution circuit segment which may include a plurality of power consuming units.
  • the subsea power distribution device 100 includes input terminals that are electrically connected to the primary winding. These input terminals are also arranged to be connected to a remote power supply.
  • the remote power supply may have high supply voltage of typically 50-150 kV, for instance 90kV.
  • the high voltage power may be transferred over a long distance, such as from land, e.g. an onshore power plant, or from an offshore power generating facility, e.g. on a ship or platform, to the subsea site.
  • the power distribution device 100 further includes output terminals which are electrically connected to the secondary windings and arranged to be connected to subsea power consuming devices.
  • the secondary windings may typically supply a operating voltage in the range of 10 to 40 kV, or more particularly, in the range of 20 to 36 kV, e.g., 24kV.
  • switches are arranged to break the connections between each secondary winding and a corresponding output terminal.
  • the switches including the illustrated switches 1 13 and 123, are arranged within the watertight housing.
  • the arrangement of the switches arranged to break the connections between each secondary winding and a corresponding output terminal avoids complete production stop in the event of an electrical fault in a secondary circuit, e.g., a overload, short- circuit or earth fault in a subsea power consuming device.
  • a secondary circuit e.g., a overload, short- circuit or earth fault in a subsea power consuming device.
  • Each switch makes it possible to isolate each separate secondary circuit in order to disconnect only the circuit which has a fault.
  • the switches used in the power distribution device may e.g. be designed for operating in a voltage range of 10 to 40 kV, or more particularly, in the range of 20 to 36 kV, e.g., 24 kV.
  • dielectric insulating fluid (oil) is used to fill the switch gap, which implies that a switch rated for a particular voltage when operated in air, may operate at a substantially higher (such as approx. three times higher) voltage when insulating fluid (oil) is used.
  • one secondary winding 1 1 1 in the transformer 102 is connected through a conductor 1 12 to a switch 1 13.
  • a further connector is connected between the switch 1 13 and the output terminal 1 14, which is arranged to be connected to a subsea power consuming device.
  • another secondary winding 121 in the transformer 102 is connected through a conductor 122 to a switch 123.
  • a further connector is connected between the switch 123 and the output terminal 124, which is also arranged to be connected to a subsea power consuming device.
  • each switch e.g. the switch 123
  • each switch is placed as close as possible to the secondary winding of the transformer, so as to minimize the risk of a fault between the secondary winding and the switch, since such a fault cannot be isolated by means of the switch.
  • each secondary winding of the transformer such as the transformer 102
  • Each switch includes a switch actuator, which actuates the switching function of the switch.
  • the switch 1 13 is actuated by the switch actuator 1 15.
  • two other, correspondingly operated switches are actuated by the same switch actuator 1 15.
  • the switch 123 is actuated by another switch actuator 125.
  • the switch actuator 125 Preferably, as shown, two other, correspondingly operated switches are actuated by the same switch actuator 125.
  • the watertight housing 101 is configured with a first compartment 131 and a second compartment 141.
  • the second compartment 141 is separate from the first compartment 131.
  • the transformer is arranged within the first compartment 131 while the switches are arranged in the second compartment 141.
  • the first compartment 131 and the second compartment 141 are advantageously oil- filled.
  • the oil used is a dielectric isolating oil of a type known as transformer fluid.
  • An example is known as MIDEL 7131.
  • the first 131 and second 141 compartments may be configured as separate parts or as portions of a divided enclosure.
  • the compartments, including the divided enclosure, should be designed and arranged to withstand subsea environment conditions, i.e. water pressure, salt, temperature variations, etc.
  • the compartments may be made of a strong steel casing with cooling fins for heat exchange.
  • the enclosure may advantageously include a top cover and suitable bushing boxes. Appropriate seals, closures, penetrators and connectors to sea-water for subsea environment may be chosen as appropriate by the skilled person.
  • the switch actuator is (or the switch actuators are) contained within the watertight housing.
  • the switch actuators 1 15 and 125 are contained within the watertight housing 101.
  • the switch actuator is advantageously contained within the second compartment 141.
  • electric penetrators are needed between the first and second compartments.
  • the switch actuator is arranged external to the watertight housing. In this case, it may be necessary to arrange a mechanical shaft through the shell of the watertight housing. This leads however to certain disadvantages with respect to obtaining a durable and reliable seal between the shaft and the shell of the watertight housing. This problem has been solved by arranging a magnetic coupling between the actuator's electric motor, arranged outside the watertight housing, and a movable mechanism of the switch.
  • the switch actuator may be connected to and arranged to be controlled by a control unit which is arranged separately from the watertight housing.
  • the switch actuator may advantageously be an electrical switch actuator, e.g.
  • the electric switch actuator may be configured to be fail safe.
  • the battery may include an internal battery, an external battery, or a combination.
  • the switch actuator may be a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic switch actuator.
  • Figures 2 and 3 are schematic block diagrams illustrating certain further aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
  • the subsea power distribution device 200 comprises a watertight housing in the same way as the device 100 described above with reference to figure 1 , although this housing has not been illustrated in figures 2 and 3.
  • the watertight housing accommodates a transformer which has a primary winding, schematically illustrated at 210 and a plurality of secondary windings; namely; the four secondary windings 21 1 , 221 , 231 and 241.
  • Input terminals (schematically illustrated as one line) are electrically connected to the primary winding 210 and arranged to be connected to a remote power supply.
  • a switch 250 has been shown to be interconnected in the supply line between the remote power supply and the primary winding 250.
  • the subsea power distribution device 200 further comprises output terminals, which are electrically connected to the secondary windings and arranged to be connected to subsea power consuming devices, illustrated at 216, 226, 236 and 246.
  • Switches illustrated in figure 2 at 21 1 , 221 , 231 and 241 respectively, are arranged to break the connections between each secondary winding and a corresponding output terminal which leads to a corresponding subsea power consuming device.
  • the switches are arranged within the watertight housing, in a corresponding way as disclosed and illustrated for the power distribution device 100 illustrated in figure 1.
  • subsea power distribution device 200 may include any of the optional features, or any combination of the optional features, which have already been described above for the power distribution device 100 illustrated in figure 1.
  • FIG 3 illustrates a similar configuration as that shown in figure 2.
  • Each subsea power consuming device may include an additional power switch within the device itself, or more specifically, as suggested in figure 3, in a separate switch unit attached to or included in the same housing as the corresponding subsea power consuming device.
  • the power switches included in the power consuming device may e.g. be a power switch in a Variable Speed Device (VSD).
  • VSD Variable Speed Device
  • the subsea power distribution device disclosed above may be included in a subsea power distribution system.
  • the subsea power distribution system comprises a remote power supply, with a high voltage of typically 50-150 kV, for instance 90kV.
  • the high voltage power may be transferred over a long distance, such as from land, e.g. an onshore power plant, or from an offshore power generating facility, e.g. on a ship or platform, to the subsea site.
  • the subsea power distribution system further comprises a subsea power distribution device as disclosed above, e.g. as shown and described with reference to figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4, and a plurality of subsea power consuming devices, such as compressors, pumps, etc.
  • the subsea power distribution system also includes primary electrical connections which interconnect the remote power supply and the input terminals of the subsea power distribution device.
  • the subsea power distribution system also includes secondary electrical connections which interconnect the output terminals of the subsea power distribution device and the subsea power consuming devices.
  • subsea power distribution device and subsea power distribution system may employ three-phase AC or one-phase AC supply voltage/current, circuits and elements.
  • a ground fault, or another electrical fault, in one secondary circuit may have no impact on the other secondary circuits.
  • Installation or removal of subsea power consuming devices can be done with the remaining parts of the subsea power distribution system in operation, e.g. during maintanence and/or repair.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Gas-Insulated Switchgears (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Cable Transmission Systems, Equalization Of Radio And Reduction Of Echo (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing Compositions (AREA)
  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
  • Coils Of Transformers For General Uses (AREA)
  • Remote Monitoring And Control Of Power-Distribution Networks (AREA)

Abstract

A subsea power distribution device and system. The subsea power distribution device comprises a watertight housing accommodating at least one transformer, the transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings; input terminals, electrically connected to the primary winding and arranged to be connected to a remote power supply; output terminals, electrically connected to the secondary windings and arranged to be connected to subsea power consuming devices. The switches are arranged to break the connections between each secondary winding and a corresponding output terminal, and the switches are arranged within the watertight housing..

Description

SUBSEA POWER DISTRIBUTION DEVICE AND SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to distribution of electric power to subsea equipment.
More particularly, the invention relates to a subsea power distribution device, comprising a watertight housing accommodating a transformer, the transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings; input terminals, electrically connected to the primary winding, arranged to be connected to a remote power supply; and output terminals, electrically connected to the secondary windings, arranged to be connected to subsea power consuming devices. The invention also relates to a corresponding subsea power distribution system and method.
BACKGROUND
In offshore installations there is an increasing use of electrically powered subsea equipment, such as subsea production installations. Such subsea equipment may include, i.a., compressors, pumps, and any other electrically powered subsea equipment.
The electrical power to be distributed to such subsea equipment may be supplied from land, e.g. an onshore power plant, or from an offshore power generating facility, e.g. on a ship or platform.
Such subsea equipment may have high power requirements, and electric power must usually be transferred across long distances. In order to provide an efficient power transfer across long distances, a high voltage is used for the remote power supply. The high voltage power supply is connected to a subsea power distribution device which includes a transformer that provides a lower voltage power supply which is connected to subsea power consuming devices. The transformer may be
accommodated in a watertight housing. The transformer may be a multi-winding transformer, having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings. The primary winding is electrically connected to input terminals which arranged to be connected to the remote, high voltage power supply. The secondary windings are electrically connected to output terminals which are further arranged to be connected to the subsea power consuming devices.
A disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the secondary transformer windings have no protection against a failure in one of the circuits connected to a secondary winding, e.g. a ground fault, an overload or a short circuit in one of the subsea power consuming devices.
Such a failure may therefore result in the shutdown or disconnection of the entire transformer. This has substantial operational consequences, e.g. loss of operational time and costs, and should be avoided when possible.
SUMMARY Disadvantages and/or shortcomings of background art have been overcome by a device and a system as have been set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be discussed in closer detail in the following with reference to the drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating certain further aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating certain further aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects of a subsea power distribution device. The subsea power distribution device comprises a watertight housing 101 which accommodates at least one transformer 102. Also shown are additional transformers 103, 104, which may also be included in the watertight housing 101. As will be appreciated, any suitable number of transformers, for instance 1 , 2, 3 or 4 transformers, may be included in the power distribution device. Each additional transformer 103, 104 may e.g. be equal to, similar to, or different from the transformer 102.
The transformer 102 has a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings, i.e., a multiwinding transformer. In figure 1 the primary winding has not been shown, for simplicity of illustration. The plurality of secondary windings, which in this example includes 4 secondary windings, has been illustrated within the transformer 102.
Each secondary winding is feeding one power consuming device. As used herein, the term power consuming device should be understood to mean either one single power consuming unit or a power distribution circuit segment which may include a plurality of power consuming units.
Although not illustrated in figure 1 , the subsea power distribution device 100 includes input terminals that are electrically connected to the primary winding. These input terminals are also arranged to be connected to a remote power supply. The remote power supply may have high supply voltage of typically 50-150 kV, for instance 90kV. The high voltage power may be transferred over a long distance, such as from land, e.g. an onshore power plant, or from an offshore power generating facility, e.g. on a ship or platform, to the subsea site.
The power distribution device 100 further includes output terminals which are electrically connected to the secondary windings and arranged to be connected to subsea power consuming devices.
The secondary windings may typically supply a operating voltage in the range of 10 to 40 kV, or more particularly, in the range of 20 to 36 kV, e.g., 24kV. Further, switches are arranged to break the connections between each secondary winding and a corresponding output terminal. The switches, including the illustrated switches 1 13 and 123, are arranged within the watertight housing.
The arrangement of the switches arranged to break the connections between each secondary winding and a corresponding output terminal avoids complete production stop in the event of an electrical fault in a secondary circuit, e.g., a overload, short- circuit or earth fault in a subsea power consuming device. Each switch makes it possible to isolate each separate secondary circuit in order to disconnect only the circuit which has a fault. When a secondary circuit is to be connected or
disconnected, such isolating switches will give the opportunity of performing such a circuit isolation operation without the disconnecting the complete subsea
transformer.
The switches used in the power distribution device may e.g. be designed for operating in a voltage range of 10 to 40 kV, or more particularly, in the range of 20 to 36 kV, e.g., 24 kV. Advantageously, dielectric insulating fluid (oil) is used to fill the switch gap, which implies that a switch rated for a particular voltage when operated in air, may operate at a substantially higher (such as approx. three times higher) voltage when insulating fluid (oil) is used.
As a simplified, illustrative example, shown in figure 1 , one secondary winding 1 1 1 in the transformer 102 is connected through a conductor 1 12 to a switch 1 13. A further connector is connected between the switch 1 13 and the output terminal 1 14, which is arranged to be connected to a subsea power consuming device. Likewise, another secondary winding 121 in the transformer 102 is connected through a conductor 122 to a switch 123. A further connector is connected between the switch 123 and the output terminal 124, which is also arranged to be connected to a subsea power consuming device.
Advantageously, each switch, e.g. the switch 123, is placed as close as possible to the secondary winding of the transformer, so as to minimize the risk of a fault between the secondary winding and the switch, since such a fault cannot be isolated by means of the switch. Preferably, each secondary winding of the transformer, such as the transformer 102, is provided with a corresponding switch, connected to the secondary winding through a conductor.
Each switch includes a switch actuator, which actuates the switching function of the switch. For instance, the switch 1 13 is actuated by the switch actuator 1 15.
Preferably, as shown, two other, correspondingly operated switches are actuated by the same switch actuator 1 15.
Likewise, the switch 123 is actuated by another switch actuator 125. Preferably, as shown, two other, correspondingly operated switches are actuated by the same switch actuator 125.
In a particular advantageous aspect, the watertight housing 101 is configured with a first compartment 131 and a second compartment 141. The second compartment 141 is separate from the first compartment 131. Further, in this configuration, the transformer is arranged within the first compartment 131 while the switches are arranged in the second compartment 141.
The first compartment 131 and the second compartment 141 are advantageously oil- filled. Advantageously, the oil used is a dielectric isolating oil of a type known as transformer fluid. An example is known as MIDEL 7131.
The first 131 and second 141 compartments may be configured as separate parts or as portions of a divided enclosure. The compartments, including the divided enclosure, should be designed and arranged to withstand subsea environment conditions, i.e. water pressure, salt, temperature variations, etc. To this end, the compartments may be made of a strong steel casing with cooling fins for heat exchange. The enclosure may advantageously include a top cover and suitable bushing boxes. Appropriate seals, closures, penetrators and connectors to sea-water for subsea environment may be chosen as appropriate by the skilled person.
In one aspect, the switch actuator is (or the switch actuators are) contained within the watertight housing. Hence, as shown, the switch actuators 1 15 and 125 are contained within the watertight housing 101. More specifically, in the configuration wherein the watertight housing 101 has a first compartment 131 and a second compartment 141 , the switch actuator is advantageously contained within the second compartment 141. In this configuration, electric penetrators are needed between the first and second compartments. In an alternative aspect, the switch actuator is arranged external to the watertight housing. In this case, it may be necessary to arrange a mechanical shaft through the shell of the watertight housing. This leads however to certain disadvantages with respect to obtaining a durable and reliable seal between the shaft and the shell of the watertight housing. This problem has been solved by arranging a magnetic coupling between the actuator's electric motor, arranged outside the watertight housing, and a movable mechanism of the switch.
In any of the above aspects, the switch actuator may be connected to and arranged to be controlled by a control unit which is arranged separately from the watertight housing. The switch actuator may advantageously be an electrical switch actuator, e.g.
including a motor, mechanical drive gear, a power supply such as a battery, and a control unit. The electric switch actuator may be configured to be fail safe. The battery may include an internal battery, an external battery, or a combination.
Alternatively, the switch actuator may be a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic switch actuator.
Figures 2 and 3 are schematic block diagrams illustrating certain further aspects of a subsea power distribution device.
The subsea power distribution device 200 comprises a watertight housing in the same way as the device 100 described above with reference to figure 1 , although this housing has not been illustrated in figures 2 and 3. The watertight housing accommodates a transformer which has a primary winding, schematically illustrated at 210 and a plurality of secondary windings; namely; the four secondary windings 21 1 , 221 , 231 and 241. Input terminals (schematically illustrated as one line) are electrically connected to the primary winding 210 and arranged to be connected to a remote power supply. In figure 2, a switch 250 has been shown to be interconnected in the supply line between the remote power supply and the primary winding 250. The subsea power distribution device 200 further comprises output terminals, which are electrically connected to the secondary windings and arranged to be connected to subsea power consuming devices, illustrated at 216, 226, 236 and 246. Switches, illustrated in figure 2 at 21 1 , 221 , 231 and 241 respectively, are arranged to break the connections between each secondary winding and a corresponding output terminal which leads to a corresponding subsea power consuming device. The switches are arranged within the watertight housing, in a corresponding way as disclosed and illustrated for the power distribution device 100 illustrated in figure 1.
Additionally, the subsea power distribution device 200 may include any of the optional features, or any combination of the optional features, which have already been described above for the power distribution device 100 illustrated in figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates a similar configuration as that shown in figure 2. Each subsea power consuming device may include an additional power switch within the device itself, or more specifically, as suggested in figure 3, in a separate switch unit attached to or included in the same housing as the corresponding subsea power consuming device. The power switches included in the power consuming device may e.g. be a power switch in a Variable Speed Device (VSD).
The subsea power distribution device disclosed above, with any combination of aspects and possible or optional features, may be included in a subsea power distribution system. The subsea power distribution system comprises a remote power supply, with a high voltage of typically 50-150 kV, for instance 90kV. The high voltage power may be transferred over a long distance, such as from land, e.g. an onshore power plant, or from an offshore power generating facility, e.g. on a ship or platform, to the subsea site. The subsea power distribution system further comprises a subsea power distribution device as disclosed above, e.g. as shown and described with reference to figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4, and a plurality of subsea power consuming devices, such as compressors, pumps, etc.
The subsea power distribution system also includes primary electrical connections which interconnect the remote power supply and the input terminals of the subsea power distribution device. The subsea power distribution system also includes secondary electrical connections which interconnect the output terminals of the subsea power distribution device and the subsea power consuming devices.
It should be appreciated by the skilled person that the disclosed subsea power distribution device and subsea power distribution system may employ three-phase AC or one-phase AC supply voltage/current, circuits and elements.
The disclosed subsea power distribution device and subsea power distribution system may have at least some of the following advantages:
A ground fault, or another electrical fault, in one secondary circuit may have no impact on the other secondary circuits.
The possibility of isolating one faulty circuit so this fault does not influence the transformer operation, and
Installation or removal of subsea power consuming devices can be done with the remaining parts of the subsea power distribution system in operation, e.g. during maintanence and/or repair.
Shutdown or disconnection of the entire transformer would have substantial operational concerns, e.g. loss of operational time and costs. The disclosed disclosed subsea power distribution device and system overcomes such
shortcomings of related background solutions.

Claims

1. Subsea power distribution device, comprising
a watertight housing accommodating at least one transformer, the transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings;
input terminals, electrically connected to the primary winding and arranged to be connected to a remote power supply;
output terminals, electrically connected to the secondary windings and arranged to be connected to subsea power consuming devices;
wherein switches are arranged to break the connections between each secondary winding and a corresponding output terminal,
the switches being arranged within the watertight housing.
2. Subsea power distribution device according to claim 1 ,
wherein each secondary winding is provided with a corresponding switch.
3. Subsea power distribution device according to one of the claims 1-2, wherein each switch includes a switch actuator.
4. Subsea power distribution device according to claim 3,
wherein the watertight housing is configured with a first compartment and a second compartment separate from the first compartment,
the transformer being arranged within the first compartment and the switches being arranged in the second compartment.
5. Subsea power distribution device according to claim 4,
wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are oil-filled.
6. Subsea power distribution device according to claim 5,
wherein the switch actuator is contained within the watertight housing.
7. Subsea power distribution device according to claim 6,
wherein the switch actuator is contained within the second compartment.
8. Subsea power distribution device according to claim 5,
wherein the switch actuator is arranged external to the watertight housing.
9. Subsea power distribution device according to claim 8, wherein the switch actuator actuates the switch by means of a mechanical shaft extending through a portion of the watertight housing.
10. Subsea power distribution device according to claim 8,
wherein the switch actuator actuates the switch by means of a magnetic coupling over a portion of the watertight housing.
1 1. Subsea power distribution device according to one of the claims 3-10, wherein the switch actuator is connected to and arranged to be controlled by a control unit which is arranged separately from the watertight housing.
12. Subsea power distribution device according to one of the claims 3-1 1 , wherein the switch actuator is an electrical switch actuator.
13. Subsea power distribution device according to one of the claims 3-1 1 , wherein the switch actuator is a hydraulic switch actuator.
14. Subsea power distribution system, comprising
a remote power supply,
a subsea power distribution device according to one of the claims 1-13,
a plurality of subsea power consuming devices, and
primary electrical connections which interconnect the remote power supply and the input terminals of the subsea power distribution device, and
secondary electrical connections which interconnect the output terminals of the subsea power distribution device and the subsea power consuming devices.
PCT/EP2014/057609 2013-04-17 2014-04-15 Subsea power distribution device and system WO2014170320A1 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14717776.0A EP2987213B1 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-15 Subsea power distribution device and system
AU2014255838A AU2014255838A1 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-15 Subsea power distribution device and system
CA2902847A CA2902847C (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-15 Subsea power distribution device and system
US14/785,311 US10164430B2 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-15 Subsea power distribution device and system
SG11201508503SA SG11201508503SA (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-15 Subsea power distribution device and system
BR112015026264-3A BR112015026264B1 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-15 Subsea power distribution device and system
RU2015146205A RU2664507C2 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-15 Subsea power distribution device and system
AU2018211290A AU2018211290A1 (en) 2013-04-17 2018-08-02 Subsea power distribution device and system
AU2020239685A AU2020239685A1 (en) 2013-04-17 2020-09-23 Subsea power distribution device and system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NO20130522A NO337300B1 (en) 2013-04-17 2013-04-17 Subsea høyspenningsdistribusjonssystem
NO20130522 2013-04-17

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EP (1) EP2987213B1 (en)
AU (3) AU2014255838A1 (en)
BR (1) BR112015026264B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2902847C (en)
NO (1) NO337300B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2664507C2 (en)
SG (1) SG11201508503SA (en)
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US20160072284A1 (en) 2016-03-10
RU2015146205A (en) 2017-05-22
NO20130522A1 (en) 2014-10-20
CA2902847A1 (en) 2014-10-23
CA2902847C (en) 2020-12-15
RU2664507C2 (en) 2018-08-20
US10164430B2 (en) 2018-12-25
BR112015026264A2 (en) 2017-07-25
NO337300B1 (en) 2016-03-07
BR112015026264B1 (en) 2022-03-29
EP2987213B1 (en) 2022-04-27
SG11201508503SA (en) 2015-11-27
EP2987213A1 (en) 2016-02-24
AU2018211290A1 (en) 2018-08-23
AU2014255838A1 (en) 2015-10-08
AU2020239685A1 (en) 2020-10-15

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