Drill ship power challenge: hybrid solution solves distribution issues

Aspin Kemp & Associates (AKA), a manufacturer of electrical power and control systems headquartered in Montague, PEI, encountered one with its hybrid power initiative, the first hybrid drill floor destined for installation on ultra-deepwater drill ships operated by Transocean, Swiss offshore drilling contractors. Since on-site modification was impossible and scrap recycling of any modifications was unacceptable, the enclosures had to arrive ready-to-install.

AKA’s solution – to couple dieselenerators with ultracapacitors to resolve the problems in the power distribution network – called for dozens of industrial enclosures. The intermediate power storage system absorbs and delivers energy at a rate faster than the process can use or return it. The hazards of the E-stop are controlled by allowing operation without the main generator connection. The diesel operates continuously at high output without compromising performance or requiring a “spinning reserve” of power.

• [Cost Reduction - Maintenance]
  The desired enclosure system would improve reliability, save energy, reduce emissions, lower maintenance costs, enhance safety and support maritime regulations.
• [Efficiency Improvement - Labor Safety]
  There was also a safety benefit. With fewer diesels in operation, there was a significant reduction in injuries and spills associated with fuel and other fluid handling, while smoother transitions in E-stops protected the workers from sudden engine stops.
• [Efficiency Improvement - Operation]
  A common bus that allows some generators to remain in standby condition rather than in constant operation reduced hours of machine wear and fouling on each generator.