Subsea All Electric Technology: Enabling Next Generation Field Developments

Abstract

This paper will show that utilizing all-electric standardized and configurable hardware, together with appropriate software building blocks, an all-electric Subsea Production System will be a cost competitive alternative to electro-hydraulic systems. By integrating automotive and telecom competence with subsea expertise, it has been possible to implement a rigorous design-to-cost mindset in the development of the various all-electric system building blocks. All-electric hardware and software will give large benefits both in terms of reduced CAPEX and OPEX (in addition to improved health and safety as well as increased functionality) derived also from applying subsea and downhole all-electric technology solutions on a wider scale. For all electric systems, the following general cost benefits have been estimated: CAPEX OPEX HSE, (Safety and Environment in particular) Increased functionality Reliability Flexibility Electric actuation, sensing, integrated power management and control offer the promise of smaller, lighter and more cost effective subsea production systems. They also offer the potential for more precise measurement, control and maintenance monitoring over time over their hydraulic counterparts, which enables planned maintenance of equipment, with significant benefits in terms of reduced OPEX.