Subsea electric power distribution differs from a topside system by being a point to point system with limited routing alternatives. Some deep water oil and gas reservoirs would not have been fully exploited without the help of subsea systems. Subsea electrical power distribution enables supply of all electrical loads using one single power cable. Subsea electrical power distribution system consist of subsea transformer, subsea frequency convertor and installation equipment. To ensure reliability, the equipment is enclosed in a liquid filled tank. Existing electrical power distribution solutions require one dedicated cable for each consumer (pump or compressor). Cables constitute a major cost driver for subsea processing systems and cost can be reduced by subsea power distribution. The cost reduction depends on the distance and required electrical power.

The subsea electrical power distribution technology will also enable the transmission of electrical power over long distances. The subsea electrical power distribution system is important for the development of remote fields located far from the offshore infrastructure. Subsea electrical power distribution system enables to transmit, distribute and control electrical power in the megawatt range. Subsea electrical power distribution system enables electrical power to be transmitted at high voltage and the distribution system to be close to the end consumer. Subsea electrical power distribution system reduces power losses, number of subsea cables and space requirements at the topside facility. Problems caused by harmonics and resonance are reduced as system contain less number of on-load start-up motors.

Read more: Subsea electric power distribution market – what’s hot, what’s not, what’s next by 2023?