Supplying Additional Power Subsea through Intervention ROV Systems

Abstract Current remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) require dedicated umbilicals to provide communications, enable control, and to power three-phase motors on the subsea vehicle. The standard architecture does not permit ROV umbilical power to be used for separate devices, so additional equipment – such as dredges, pumps, or subsea hydraulic power units – requires its own dedicated power, control lines, and topside equipment. This paper explores the ways and means of expanding existing ROV technology to enable driving additional subsea equipment using ROV umbilical power. The discussion focuses on the development of a smart subsea medium-voltage switch and a mate-able hybrid medium voltage/fiber optic connector for subsea intervention systems. The paper has four main sections. First, the paper presents the technical requirements for a subsea switch and hybrid connector operating at water depths exceeding 3000 m. Second, the benefits of expanded power distribution from an ROV, including reduced equipment requirements, enhanced safety, and increased operational flexibility are discussed. Third, the challenges associated with designing and testing the subsea switch and hybrid connector technologies are reviewed. And fourth, the paper outlines the roadmap of expected progress toward achieving the goal of providing power to additional devices through intervention ROV umbilicals.