ABB has since 2013 been running a Joint Industry project together with Statoil, Chevron and Total to develop technologies for subsea power transmission, distribution and conversion at greater distances, in deeper waters, and in harsher environments. The project is targeting a 3000-hour shallow-water system test in 2019, including the qualification of pressure tolerant medium voltage switchgear, medium voltage drives, as well as supporting controls and auxiliary supplies. The target environment is water depths up to 3000 meters, transmission distances up to 600 km, and power levels up to 100 MW

This presentation will show the latest progress and achievements on the technology developments for high/medium voltage subsea power distribution main building blocks. The successful test of the subsea VSD performed in November 2018 is an important milestone in the project and the subsea VSD operated continuously for approx.. 6 weeks under water. The subsea VSD operated in back-to-back configuration directly with the grid. The focus of for the completed test was on thermal performance of the subsea VSD. The test demonstrated the successful and reliable operation of the drive during different load conditions.

Main topics for the presentation will be:

• Introduction to Subsea Power Distribution Technology
• Presenting main power building blocks for Subsea Power Distribution
• Latest status and achievements from the Subsea Power JIP
• Presenting findings and lessons learned from shallow water testing