UwSC: Universal wireless Subsea Connector

The main project objective is the development of an explosion proof, deep-water universal connector for wireless transmission of power and data. Technically speaking, the R&D team aims at developing a connector that can wirelessly transmit up to 3 kW powe r and 3 Gb/s of data, 4 km below sea level. To reach such goals the design of classical subsea connectors must be radically altered. Nowadays, two main types of wireless subsea connectors can be found on the market: - Subsea connectors based on inductiv e transmission of power through coils, these demonstrate high power transfer rates and high efficiency (e.g. 1 kW) but low data transfer rates (10 to 100 Mbit/s). - Subsea connectors based on optical technologies (high speed modulated light pulses), the se demonstrate very high data transfer rates (> 2Gb/s) but do not wirelessly transfer power. As Oil&Gas exploration in expanding in deeper and harsher environment a high increase in the number of subsea units (processing installations and condition monit oring devices) is expected in future field developments. In particular, for marginal fields and for environmentally sensitive field (e.g. Artic), subsea solutions are expected to play a key role, and thus, developing an explosion proof, deep-water univers al connector for high speed wireless transmission of power and data is essential to enable further and safer exploration. The connector will be designed under explosion proof regulation so that it can be handled from topside (on the platform) to subsea. Furthermore, the main project will address challenges related to withstanding high pressures, so that the connector can be used down to 3000-4000 meters below sea level. Finally, the connector will be developed with an electronic interface that will allo w the connection of different IP protocols & interfaces (e.g. IEEE 1394, Serial ATA, USB) as well as allowing power regulation making this device a universal connector.