Electric control and supply system

• US 20050029476A1
• Filed: 04/30/2004
• Published: 02/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Onesubsea IP UK Limited (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Biester, Klaus, Kunow, Peter, Lenz, Norbert
• Granted Patent: US 7,615,893 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 251/58
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/0355 Control systems, e.g. hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, acoustic, for submerged well heads
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/041 for rotating valves F16K31/055 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/046 with electric means, e.g. electric switches, to control the motor or to control a clutch between the valve and the motor F16K31/041 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/047 characterised by mechanical means between the motor and the valve, e.g. lost motion means reducing backlash, clutches, brakes or return means F16K31/043 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0083 by measuring valve parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/06 Two-wire systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00009 using pulsed signals
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00017 using optical fiber
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/36 Arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks via a high-tension dc link
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/007 Plural converter units in cascade push-pull DC/DC converters with pre-regulator H02M3/3374; DC-AC converters following a DC-DC stage including a high frequency transformer H02M7/4807; DC-AC converters following a DC-DC conversion stage generating periodically varying voltages H02M7/4826
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/0074 Plural converter units whose inputs are connected in series
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/0077 Plural converter units whose outputs are connected in series
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/04 by static converters
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/217 using semiconductor devices only
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 5/68 controlling two or more dc dynamo-electric motors H02P5/46, H02P5/60 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/00 Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/60 Arrangements for transfer of electric power between AC networks or generators via a high voltage DC link [HVCD]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/121 using the power network as support for the transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/124 using wired telecommunication networks or data transmission busses

Abstract

A system supplies electrical power to a remote electrical device. The system includes an AC/DC voltage converter coupled to the AC voltage source for converting an AC voltage from the AC voltage source to a high DC voltage output at a first location. The AC/DC voltage converter comprises a plurality of AC/DC voltage converter components which, on the input side thereof, are connected in parallel with the AC voltage source and which, on the output side thereof, are connected serially to an electric conductor. The electric conductor extends to a plurality of voltage converters at a remote location having inputs connected serially to the electrical conductor and having outputs providing an appropriate voltage to the electrical device, the plurality of voltage converters converting the high DC voltage to either a lower DC voltage or an alternating voyage without a cooling mechanism that would otherwise be needed when less than the plurality of voltage converters are implemented to convert the high DC voltage to the lower DC voltage or alternating voltage.

Claims

1. A system for supplying power from an AC voltage source to at least one electrical device, the system comprising:

an AC/DC voltage converter coupled to the AC voltage source for converting an AC voltage from the AC voltage source to a high DC voltage output;

the AC/DC voltage converter having a plurality of AC/DC voltage converter components which, on the input side thereof, are connected in parallel with the AC voltage source and which, on the output side thereof, are connected serially to an electric conductor;

a plurality of DC/DC voltage converters having inputs connected serially to the electrical conductor and having outputs providing a lower DC voltage to the electrical device; and

the plurality of DC/DC voltage converters converting the high DC voltage to the lower DC voltage without a cooling mechanism that would otherwise be needed when less than the plurality of DC/DC voltage converters are implemented to convert the high DC voltage to the lower DC voltage.

2. A system for supplying power from an AC Voltage source to a remote location, the system comprising:

a plurality of AC/DC voltage converters having inputs connected in parallel to the AC voltage source and having outputs connected serially to an electrical conductor;

a plurality of DC voltage converters for disposal at the remote location, each having an input side connected to the electrical conductor and an output side connected to a remote electrical device and providing a converted DC or AC voltage to the remote electrical device; and

the length of the electrical conductor being at least one kilometer.

3. A system for supplying power from an AC voltage source at a first location to an electrical device at a remote location, the system comprising:

a plurality of AC/DC voltage converters at the first location having an input side of each AC/DC voltage converter connected to the AC source and having an output side of each AC/DC voltage converter connected to an electrical conductor that couples to the electrical device,

a plurality of DC voltage converters for disposal at the remote location, each having an input side connected to the electrical conductor and an output side connected to the electrical device for providing a converted DC or AC voltage to the electrical device.

4. A system for supplying power from an AC voltage source at a first location to a remote location, the system comprising:

an actuating device at the remote location;

a plurality of AC/DC voltage converters disposed at the first location, each having an input side connected to the AC source and an output side connected to an electrical conductor extending to the actuating device at the remote location; and

a plurality of DC voltage converters, each having an input side connected to the electrical conductor and an output side connected to the actuating device to supply a converted DC or AC voltage to the electrical device.

5. A system for supplying power from an AC voltage source at a first location to an electrical device at a remote location, the system comprising:

a plurality of AC/DC voltage converters disposed at the first location, each having an input side connected to the AC voltage source and an output side connected to an electrical conductor extending to the remote location;

a plurality of DC/DC voltage converters for disposal at the remote location having inputs connected to the electrical conductor and outputs connected to the electrical device;

the plurality of DC/DC voltage converters receiving a high DC voltage from the DC voltage source via the electrical conductor and converting the high DC voltage to a lower DC voltage without a cooling mechanism that is needed when an amount of DC/DC converters less than the plurality of DC/DC converters are implemented to convert the high DC voltage to the lower DC voltage; and

an input side of each DC/DC voltage converter having a resistive load to dissipate power when the electrical device is not consuming power.

6. A system for supplying power from an AC voltage source at a sea surface to a subsea location, the system comprising:

a plurality of AC/DC voltage converters for disposal at the sea surface, each having an input side connected to the AC voltage source and an output side connected to an electrical conductor extending subsea; and

a plurality of DC voltage converters for disposal subsea, each having an input side connected to the electrical conductor and an output side connected to a subsea electrical device for providing a converted DC or AC voltage to the subsea electrical device.

7. A energy supply system from at least one AC voltage source to at least one electrical device, comprising:

a cable connection connecting the AC voltage source with the electrical device; and

an AC/DC voltage converter coupled between the AC voltage source and the at least one electrical device, wherein the AC/DC voltage converter is operable to convert an AC voltage into DC voltage, which DC voltage is supplied to the electrical device via the cable connection and wherein the AC/DC voltage converter comprises;

a number of AC/DC converting units which are connected in parallel on an input side with the AC voltage source and which are serially connected to the electrical device on an output side,

each AC/DC converting unit being constructed as a clocked switch mode power supply; and

a plurality of DC voltage converters for disposal at a remote location, each having an input side connected to the electrical conductor and an output side connected to the electrical device and providing a converted DC or AC voltage to the electrical device.

8. A system for supplying power from an AC voltage source to an electrical device, the system comprising:

a plurality of AC/DC voltage converters having inputs connected to the AC voltage source and outputs connected to an electrical conductor;

a plurality of DC voltage converters, each having an input side connected to the electrical conductor and an output side connected to the electrical device whereby a converted DC or AC voltage is supplied to the electrical device;

a data coupling device coupled to the electrical conductor, wherein the data coupling device allows communication with the electrical device via the electrical conductor using signals associated with a first frequency range while power is supplied to the electrical device via the electrical conductor;

clocking frequencies associated with one or more of the AC/DC converters being phase shifted with respect to each other to shift clocking noise from the first frequency range to a second frequency range; and

clocking frequencies associated with one or more of the DC voltage converters being phase shifted with respect to each other to shift clocking noise from the first frequency range to the second frequency range.

9. A system for supplying power from an AC voltage source at a sea surface to a subsea location, the system comprising:

a plurality of AC/DC voltage converters disposed at the sea surface, each having an input side connected to the AC voltage source and an output side connected to an electrical conductor extending to the subsea location;

a subsea electrical device;

a plurality of DC voltage converters disposed at the subsea location, each having an input side connected to the electrical conductor and an output side connected to the subsea electrical device; and

an input side of each DC voltage converter including a resistive load to dissipate power when the subsea electrical device is not consuming power.

10. A system, comprising:

an AC power supply that supplies a first amount of AC power;

an AC/DC voltage converter coupled to the AC power supply, the AC/DC voltage converter converting the first amount of AC power to a first amount of DC power;

an electrical conductor coupled to an output of the AC/DC voltage converter, the electrical conductor being configured to extend to an inaccessible location;

a DC power converter situated at the inaccessible location and coupled to the electrical conductor, the DC power converter converting the first amount of DC power to one of a second amount of DC power or a second amount of AC power;

at least one electrical device situated at the inaccessible location, the at least one electrical device coupled to the DC power converter and being powered by the second amount of DC power or the second amount of AC power;

a first controller coupled to the AC/DC voltage converter, the first controller allowing control of one or more functions of the AC/DC voltage converter;

a second controller coupled to the DC power converter, the second controller allowing control of one or more functions of the DC power converter;

a first data coupling/decoupling device coupled to the first controller, the first data coupling/decoupling device allowing the first controller to couple data to and decouple data from the electrical conductor;

a second data coupling/decoupling device coupled to the second controller, the second data coupling/decoupling device allowing the second controller to couple data to and decouple data from electrical conductor;

the AC/DC converter including a plurality of AC/DC sub-converters having inputs coupled in parallel to the AC power supply and having outputs coupled in series to the electrical conductor,

each AC/DC sub-converter being configured to convert a portion of the first amount of AC power to a portion of the first amount of DC power;

each AC/DC sub-converter being independently configurable to output different portions of the first amount of DC power;

the DC power converter including a plurality of DC power sub-converters having inputs coupled in series to the electrical conductor and having outputs coupled in parallel to the at least one electrical device;

each DC power sub-converter being configured to convert a portion of the first amount of DC power to a portion of the second amount of DC power or the second amount of AC power;

the plurality of AC/DC sub-converters and the plurality of DC power sub-converters are spaced to provide heat dissipation without requiring additional cooling mechanisms;

wherein, if one or more of the plurality of AC/DC sub-converters fail, the functioning AC/DC sub-converters being configurable to compensate for the failed AC/DC sub-converters; and

wherein, if one or more of the plurality of DC power sub-converters fail, the functioning DC power sub-converters being configurable to compensate for the failed DC power converters.

11. A system for supplying voltage from a surface of the sea to a remote location subsea, the system comprising:

a voltage supply and control assembly at the surface converting AC voltage to a first DC voltage;

a control and actuating assembly at the subsea remote location receiving said first DC voltage and converting said first DC voltage to a second DC voltage;

an umbilical extending from said voltage supply and control assembly to said control and actuating assembly to conduct said first DC voltage from said voltage supply and control assembly to said control and actuating assembly; and

at least one electrical device being powered by said second DC voltage at the subsea remote location.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said at least one electrical device comprises:

an electric motor being powered by said second DC voltage at the subsea remote location;

a rotating spindle coupled to said electric motor;

an actuator element adapted to be axially displaced in a feed direction by said rotating spindle rotating in a direction of advance rotation; and

an enclosure disposed about said electric motor, said rotating spindle, and said actuator element.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said at least one electrical device further comprises a first volute spring coupled to said rotating spindle and said enclosure such that the first volute spring is operable to prevent the rotating spindle from moving in the direction opposite the direction of advance rotation.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said at least one electrical device further comprises an electrically activated system operable to release said first volute spring so as to allow said rotating spindle to move in the direction opposite the direction of advance rotation.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein said at least one electrical device further comprises an emergency release unit operable to move said actuator element in the direction opposite the feed direction when said second DC voltage at the subsea remote location is interrupted.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein said emergency release unit comprises a tensioning sleeve being rotatable between a tensioned and a relaxed position and being pressure-loaded in the direction of its relaxed position such that the tensioning sleeve will move to its relaxed position if said second DC voltage at the subsea remote location is interrupted.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein said emergency release unit comprises a trunnion accessible from outside said enclosure, wherein said trunnion is operable to rotate said rotating spindle in the direction opposite the direction of advance rotation.

18. The system of claim 12 wherein said actuator element is coupled to a closure member disposed within a valve.

19. The system of claim 12 wherein said actuator element is coupled to an isolation valve.

20. The system of claim 12 wherein said actuator element is coupled to a ball valve.

21. The system of claim 12 wherein said actuator element is coupled to a choke.

22. The system of claim 12 wherein said at least one electrical device further comprises a position sensor operable to determine the axial position of said actuator element.

23. The system of claim 22 wherein said position sensor comprises:

a spring element connecting said actuator element to said enclosure; and

a force-measuring device issuing an electrical signal corresponding to a force exerted on the spring element.

24. The system of claim 12 wherein said at least one electrical device further comprises at least two electric motors coupled to said rotating spindle.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein the at least two electric motors are controlled either individually or in co-operation for rotating said rotating spindle.

26. The system of claim 11 wherein said at least one electrical device comprises:

a turning spindle rotatably mounted in a device housing;

a drive device connected to the device housing and comprising at least two individually or synchronously operable electric motors that are powered by said second DC voltage at the subsea remote location;

an operating element operable to selectively close a fluid path; and

a gearbox unit connecting said turning spindle to said operating element and comprising at least one self-locking drive unit actively connected to the electric motors, wherein said gearbox unit converts motion from the turning spindle into axial displacement of said operating element.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein the gearbox unit comprises a worm connected to the electric motors and a worm gear connected to said turning spindle.

28. The system of claim 26 wherein said gearbox unit also comprises a threaded drive formed of at least one threaded nut disposed on said turning spindle.

29. The system of claim 26 wherein said operating element is coupled to a closure member disposed within a valve.

30. The system of claim 26 wherein said operating element is coupled to an isolation valve.

31. The system of claim 26 wherein said operating element is coupled to a ball valve.

32. The system of claim 26 wherein said operating element is coupled to a choke.

33. The system of claim 11 wherein the electrical device is an isolating device for an injection valve comprising:

a turning spindle rotatably mounted in a device housing;

a drive device connected to the device housing and comprising at least two individually or synchronously operable electric motors;

an operating element having an isolation stop valve for controlling the injection valve;

a gearbox unit connecting said turning spindle to said operating element and comprising at least one self-locking drive unit actively connected to the electric motors, wherein said gearbox unit converts motion from the turning spindle into axial displacement of said operating element.

34. The system of claim 33 wherein at least one of the electric motors is movably connected to an emergency release device at the first end, wherein the emergency release device comprises:

a supporting sleeve stationarily mounted in the device housing;

a spacing sleeve mounted to rotate relative to the supporting sleeve; and

a detachable volute spring being wound on said supporting sleeve and said spacing sleeve.

35. The system of claim 11 wherein the electrical device is a valve system comprising:

at least one valve body;

a longitudinal slide slidably disposed in the at least one valve body to establish or disrupt a connection between a feed line and at least one inlet or outlet in the valve body;

an actuator to displace the longitudinal slide, the longitudinal slide having a longitudinal bore which is connected to the feed line;

the longitudinal bore being linked with the inlet or outlet by the actuator of displacing the longitudinal slide;

at least one connecting line connecting the longitudinal bore and the inlets or outlets, the connecting line extending radially outward from the longitudinal bore through the longitudinal slide and

the inlet and outlet opening directly into another longitudinal bore in which the longitudinal slide may be displaced by the actuator.

36. The system of claim 11 wherein the electrical device is a rotary adjusting device for a valve having a pivoting or twisting valve body, the rotary adjusting device comprising:

an adjusting element adapted to move the valve body;

at least one activating device adapted to rotate said adjusting element;

at least one transmission adapted to translate a linear motion into a rotary motion, wherein said adjusting element is a rotary sleeve mounted so that it can rotate relative to a bearing sleeve.

37. The system of claim 11 wherein the electrical device is an actuating device, especially for use in a throttle device, comprising:

a turning spindle rotatably mounted in a device housing and connected to an actuating element of the throttle device;

a drive device comprising at least two alternatively and redundantly or synchronously operable electric motors;

a transmission device including at least one self-locking transmission unit adapted to connect said turning spindle with the electric motors of said drive device, wherein the transmission unit comprises a worm connected to the electric motors and a worm gear connected to said turning spindle, wherein said transmission device also includes a threaded drive formed of at least one threaded nut disposed on said turning spindle.

38. The system of claim 11 further including

a pump for hydraulic operation of a subsurface safety valve disposed in a pipeline or a tree, having a piston cylinder unit, by which hydraulic fluid can be pumped under pressure in the direction of the valve;

and

the one electrical device being movably connected to the piston of the piston cylinder unit for its alternating movement in the piston longitudinal direction inside the cylinder.

39. A subsea wellhead assembly, the assembly comprising:

a subsea tree;

a plurality of electrically actuated actuators disposed on the subsea tree; and

a subsea DC voltage source supplying DC voltage to the plurality of electrically actuated actuators.

40. The subsea wellhead assembly of claim 39 wherein the electrically actuated actuators have DC motors.

41. The subsea wellhead assembly of claim 39 wherein subsea DC voltage source includes a plurality of subsea voltage converters converting a high voltage to a low voltage.

42. The subsea wellhead assembly of claim 39 further including

a subsea control and actuating assembly receiving a high DC voltage and converting the high DC voltage to a low DC voltage;

an umbilical extending from a voltage supply and control assembly at the surface to the subsea control and actuating assembly to conduct the high DC voltage from the voltage supply and control assembly to the subsea control and actuating assembly.

43. The subsea welhead assembly of claim 39 wherein all actuators disposed on the tree are electrically actuated actuators.