Programme details

Subsea processing promises to unleash vast potential of recoverable reserves and improve recovery in existing fields. In order to enable wider adoption of these processing technologies robust power systems need to be developed. A Subsea Power Grid consisting of transformer, switchgear and VSDs is under development at Siemens. True subsea deployment of such electric power equipment by means of pressurizing the power components, in order to reduce weight and improve reliability, is new and unproven technology for long term deployment. In order to build trust in the technology a comprehensive technology qualification program is being implemented by Siemens. The qualification should show that the technology is fit deployment at a water depth of 3000 meters (10000 feet). The qualification process will follow DNV RP-A203. The electric power equipment is complex, and in order to build the necessary trust in the equipment it is chosen to perform a stepwise qualification program. There will be 3 steps: critical components, sub systems and prototype. The qualification of each critical component is done by physical testing in a newly developed pressure test facility at Siemens Trondheim, Norway. A challenge in the qualification of electric power equipment for subsea use is the lack of relevant standards. Much work has been laid down in order to develop good test procedures that will be acceptable to the global users of these types of equipment. The first phase of the component testing is concluded and some selected information regarding the test facilities, test set ups, main procedure points, and results for the VSD will be presented in the full paper.