AC/DC – Which Way Do You Swing?  

9 October 2007 Aberdeen Evening Meeting

Sponsored by GE Vetco Gray

Flyer

There's plenty of talk in the subsea industry about all-electric subsea systems. Operators and suppliers are working furiously to deliver the long promised benefits of a working system. One of the biggest is the complete elimination of hydraulic fluid in the subsea environment. For engineers pioneering new arctic frontiers, the all-electric systems may be the only solution and not just a way of improving the reliability of conventional electro-hydraulic systems.

Now that all-electric systems are becoming a reality, fundamental questions have been asked of the suppliers. Most importantly are those relating to the choice of technology in terms of electrical power transmission and electrical actuation. Fundamental differences in response have emerged from the different system vendors.

If you are a subsea engineer, here is your chance to participate in this debate, so come and hear about the electrical power and transmission systems that are currently available. Will it be AC or DC electric power? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Who is pushing which technology and who owns the IP? How are teh connector vendors facing the challenges?

Presentations

AC/DC – The Debate Continues

Ian Robinson, GE Vetco Gray

Subsea control systems will set the scene for all-electric subsea systems and highlight the reliability and transmission efficiency trade off to be considered to deliver the electrical power. 

AC or DC

Werner Menz, Cameron

Subsea systems will address the benefits of using DC power in systems with long step-outs or high power demand and provide some details on current projects.

Mike Marklove, Tronic

This presentation talked of AC and DC effects on connectors. What are the considerations for design and materials for cables and connectors?