Coming Innovation for the Provision of Remote, Reliable, Unattended Power Generation and Data Communications for Deep-Water Applications: The Autonomous Offshore Power System

Abstract

Abstract The paper describes the autonomous offshore power system (AOPS) — an innovative power and data communications system — that is being prepared for introduction to remote, deep-water applications. This paper consolidates technical and market information about the AOPS presented in prior OTC papers and contextualizes it for the Brasilian offshore upstream oil and gas sector. The AOPS is currently being introduced into shallow-water environments for support of mobile and static assets, such as data-gathering systems, surface and subsea robotics, and operating equipment for the offshore energy, defense, security, and research markets. The AOPS uses multiple energy resources (ocean energy and solar) and storage technologies (rechargeable batteries and pre-charged fuel-cells) to provide ultra-reliable energy supplies and data communications in remote, offshore locations. An AOPS can provide primary, redundant, or emergency power and data communications capabilities. For instance, an AOPS can provide first power to a greenfield development, enable 24/7 leak detection monitoring and reporting, provide permanent in-situ power for a brownfield upgrade, or avoid the need for replacement of a failed umbilical to a stranded asset. Innovative AOPS technologies are currently in pilot testing for shallow-water depth sites in temperate climate zone locations. Advancements currently underway to various AOPS technologies will deliver a system suitable for deep-water applications in tropical climate zone locations. The purpose of an AOPS is to reduce the cost, complexity, and carbon-intensity of offshore activities by replacing topside vessels and power and data umbilicals. An AOPS can also enable provision of new hardware and services not techno-economically possible before. The paper will highlight the various AOPS technologies under development, the variety of use cases and applications an AOPS is suited for, and how an AOPS can reduce the cost, complexity, and carbon-intensity of deep-water operations in the Brazilian oil and gas sector.