Power Automation on a Floating Production System: Safety, Reliability, and Stability

One of the most critical aspects of power generation and distribution for an offshore production facility is reliability. Safety for those onboard the vessel and the ability to deliver maximum production are dependent on the availability of electrical power. Due to its critical nature, keeping power available should not be prone to delays or human errors, and thus requires an effective Power Management System (PMS) that is automated to control electrical equipment during real-time unexpected events.

Power automation should be implemented in the PMS to maximize stability and availability, as well as to avoid any mis-operations or over-operations. Examples of this automation are fast power-based load shedding, automatic transformer and tie selection, automated restoration of the power system, and automated backup power transfer schemes.

It is important to recognize that critical facility operations should only be enhanced by an integrated PMS and should not be dependent on such equipment. To this point, the Power System should still include the necessary hardwired interlocks to ensure the safety of personnel. Another important point regarding personnel safety is that the PMS allows for remote switching, using the graphical interface allows for reliable and common sense switching without the need for an individual to stand in front of the energized equipment. This paper will elaborate, using a real-world project, on how a power management system can automate the electrical system of an offshore platform to keep it safe, reliable, and stable.