Pyrotechnic current limiting devices — From design to operation

The trend towards electrical drivers rather than mechanical drivers for offshore installation has led to implementation of large electrical systems and power generation. Due to the offshore environment constraints such as weight and footprint limitations, most of the installation remains operated at voltage of 13, 8 kV and lower which leads to specific constraints on the electrical network design. This paper provides an overview of the implementation of pyrotechnic current limiting devices from the design stage through precommissioning, commissioning and up to operation. A case study will also be developed based on fault event which occurred on a FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) leading to severe damage and its consequences on operation conditions. The pyrotechnic current limiting devices operated correctly when the fault occurred. The damage and production losses were due to other causes which will be highlighted.