Loss of one redundant group

  • DP Event
  • Published on 18 February 2019
  • Generated on 26 December 2024
  • DPE 01/19
  • 2 minute read

Undesired event

The power management system worked as expected, investigation found a poor connection to the temperature sensor causing fluctuations.

DPE 19.01 – Loss of one redundant group – DP Undesired Event – Flowchart

Comments

A partial blackout of the centre high voltage (HV) switchboard at 11.04am caused by No.2 generator. This caused the loss of the 440V distribution board and thrusters No. 3 and 6. The centre generator No.1 started and connected onto the switchboard, there was no loss of power to the drill floor as this is fed from both port and starboard HV switchboards.  

The power management system worked as expected, investigation found a poor connection to the temperature sensor of No.2 generator causing the temperature fluctuation.

There was no loss of position.

Considerations

  • With the loss of one redundant group DP amber alert should have been activated.
  • The system reacted well to the loss of the centre switchboard however it was felt worthwhile to highlight the configuration in this case. The vessel was operating with one generator on each of the three switchboards. Therefore, it was accepted that if one generator failed then one redundant group would be lost.
  • It is important that DP personnel are fully aware of the situation and recognise that there could be a degree of risk as the switchboard is brought back on line.

The case studies and observations above have been compiled from information received by IMCA. All vessel, client, and operational data has been removed from the narrative to ensure anonymity. Case studies are not intended as guidance on the safe conduct of operations, but rather to assist vessel managers, DP operators, and technical crew.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information, but it is not liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.

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