Abstract
The paper presents a novel approach for modernizing/retrofitting offshore drilling rig power plants with islanded direct current (DC) power grids and energy storage. The concept has been successfully applied on several offshore rigs which are in operation today and is applicable to jack-ups, semi-submersibles, drill ships, as well as other types of marine support vessels for oil and gas platforms and wind farms.
The approach aims to enhance the feasibility of leveraging energy storage solutions on offshore drilling rigs and marine vessels by making use of the existing power plant footprint. Unique measures have also been incorporated into the electrical system architecture to ensure that the reliability and safety of the existing alternating current (AC)-based system are not compromised. This enables operators to capitalize on the numerous benefits of energy storage (e.g., reduced emissions, enhanced dynamic performance for drilling and dynamic positioning, etc.) without having to perform a "rip and replace" of the entire power plant and electrical infrastructure.