Next Generation Subsea Control System - Subsea DigiGRID Demonstrator

Subsea DigiGRID is a key enabler for digitalization of process related control equipment on the seabed. Typical subsea connected equipment would be water treatment systems, separation systems, pumps, compressors and power distribution systems. All these components need an efficient control and condition monitoring solution and the Subsea DigiGRID is a state of the art answer to these requirements. The solution is based on Siemens' extensive experience in topside automation for several decades as well as experience from subsea control setups from several projects and the subsea power grid JIP. The core of Siemens' controls philosophy for Subsea DigiGRID is that the control system shall have an open and flexible architecture allowing any 3rd party vendor of a subsea package to connect. Using different open communication standards from regular industrial automation setups and extending the interfaces for a processing unit located above sea level (onshore or offshore) gives an open architecture control system. Having the option of using open communication standards makes it feasible to add the requirements for digitalization onto a process control system. Different communication standards are used based on the data requirements. Process control requires small amount of data with very high response (realtime), whereas digitalization requires large amount of data with highly synchronized timestamp for all the data from the external equipment connected to the Subsea DigiGRID. Digitalization data in this context may be used to create digital twins for the subsea equipment. These digital twins may then again be used to achieve optimal operation and maintenance of the subsea equipment. To ensure optimal connectivity for process control data and digitalization data, several industry standard communication protocols for different types of data are used. The project has resulted in successful development, qualification and demonstration of the Subsea DigiGRID. Throughout the project the DigiGRID components and assembly has been subjected to comprehensive tests and analyses in accordance with API 17F and TR1233. The subsea DigiGRID have achieved TRL 4 in accordance with API 17Q and is ready for a first user.

The project has resulted in successful development, qualification and demonstration of the Subsea DigiGRID. The Subsea DigiGRID will enable significant CAPEX and OPEX savings for the operator through lean subsea control systems with a direct and standardized communication link from topside to subsea, scalability and flexibility for connection of third vendor equipment, single point of software maintenance, integrated safety functionality, and real time performance with larger data throughput. For Siemens, a qualified Subsea DigiGRID significantly strengthens the Subsea portfolio, increases competitiveness, and secures jobs and competence within the Subsea Centre of excellence in Trondheim.