FPSO electrical systems-lessons learned [ship power systems]

Floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) systems are an alternative to other types of deep water development and production systems such as spar platforms, tension leg platforms and floating production systems. A typical FPSO vessel may produce up to 300,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (SCFGPD), with one million barrels of on board oil storage. Oil off loading is normally by shuttle tanker and associated gas is normally injected to maintain field pressure. These vessels typically have more extensive electrical systems than the typical fixed platforms. Electrical loads may total 40-50 MW or more depending on the vessel configuration. Selection of the large drivers (turbines versus motors), picking the generation configuration (including prime, essential and emergency), configuring the electrical distribution system, and locating the various parts of the electrical distribution system (hull versus topsides) are major critical early decisions that will impact the future coordination efforts of the project. This paper explores the design of various electrical systems and installation issues of typical FPSOs and provides some lessons learned.