Multiport Submarine High Voltage Power Modulation and Storage Energy Distribution System

Abstract

The system includes multiple electrical nodes (110a-110c, 200, 310a-310c, 600, 700, 1001-1004, 1203) connected in series to a mains power source (102, 1010) via transmission lines (116a-116c, 316a-316c, 1005-1008). Each node includes a power converter (122a-122c, 204, 322a-322c, 606, 706) capable of receiving a first power from the mains power source or another upstream node. The power converter can change the voltage level and / or frequency of the first power. Each node also includes a high-speed synchronous rotary machine (HSRM) (118a-118c, 206, 318a-318c, 608, 708) which includes an inertia storage flywheel (120a-120c, 211, 320a-320c), a rotating excitation assembly (208, 404), stator windings (S1-S3), and a synchronous motor (402) coupled to an induction generator (408, 624, 724). The HSRM can compensate for the voltage drop of the first power supply by boosting the voltage level between the input and output. At least one of the nodes further includes an inductive power coupler (326) configured to electrically couple the node to a mobile power supply (324, 326), which supplies the node with second power and receives a portion of the first power from the node using contactless inductive power transmission. The system includes a combination of AC and DC power transmission technologies and associated bidirectional power converters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to power systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a multi-port undersea high-voltage power modulation and energy storage distribution system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional high-voltage, long-distance (about 25 - 150 km) power transmission systems are limited to a single point of use at the end of a long transmission line and do not have the function of intermediate power injection from a mobile power source. In conventional systems, constant current direct current (DC) power transmission with a static power electronic converter at each terminal is usually used, and high-voltage DC is converted to low-voltage DC at the receiving end. As a result, these systems are limited to steady loads (such as pumps) and do not provide the function of accommodating high-kilowatt pulsed loads such as sonars.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides embodiments of a multi-port undersea high-voltage power modulation and energy storage distribution system.

[0004] In the first embodiment, the system includes a plurality of electrical nodes connected in series to a mains power source via a plurality of transmission lines. Each node includes a power converter configured to receive a first power from the mains power source or another of the plurality of nodes upstream of the node via a corresponding one of the transmission lines. The power converter is configured to change at least one of the voltage level and the frequency of the first power. Each node also includes a high-speed synchronous rotary machine (HSRM) including an inertia storage flywheel, a rotating excitation assembly, a plurality of stator windings, and a synchronous motor coupled to an induction generator. The HSRM is configured to boost the voltage level between its input and output to compensate for the voltage drop of the first power over the length of the corresponding transmission line. At least one of the nodes further includes an inductive power coupler configured to electrically couple the node to a mobile power source configured to (i) supply a second power to the node and (ii) receive a portion of the first power from the node using contactless inductive power transmission.

[0005] In a second embodiment, a node includes a power converter configured to receive first power from a mains power source or an upstream node via a transmission line. The power converter is configured to change at least one of the voltage level and / or frequency of the first power. Each node also includes an HSRM, which includes an inertia storage flywheel, a rotating excitation assembly, a plurality of stator windings, and a synchronous motor coupled to an induction generator. The HSRM is configured to boost the voltage level between its input and output to compensate for the voltage drop of the first power over the length of the corresponding transmission line. The node further includes an inductive power coupler configured to electrically couple the node to a mobile power source configured to (i) supply second power to the node and (ii) receive a portion of the first power from the node using contactless inductive power transmission.

[0006] In a third embodiment, the system includes a land-based mains power source, a first node connected to the mains power source via a first transmission line, a second node connected to the first node via a second transmission line, and a third node connected to the second node via a third transmission line. Each of the first, second, and third nodes includes a power converter configured to receive first power from the mains power source or another of the nodes via a corresponding transmission line. The power converter is configured to change at least one of the voltage level and the frequency of the first power. Each node also includes an HSRM, which includes an inertia storage flywheel, a rotating excitation assembly, a plurality of stator windings, and a synchronous motor coupled to an induction generator. The HSRM is configured to boost the voltage level between its input and output to compensate for the voltage drop of the first power over the length of the corresponding transmission line. At least one of the first node, the second node, and the third node further includes an inductive power coupler configured to (i) supply a second power to the node and (ii) electrically couple the node to a mobile power source configured to receive a portion of the first power from the node using contactless inductive power transmission. The first transmission line includes a direct current (DC) transmission line, and at least one of the second and third transmission lines includes an alternating current (AC) transmission line.

[0007] Other technical features may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description, and claims.

[0008] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, references to the following description are made herein, in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This disclosure illustrates an exemplary high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system. [Figure 2] This disclosure shows an exemplary node used in a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system. [Figure 3]The present disclosure illustrates another exemplary high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system. [Figure 4] Further details of the use of a portable power source in the system shown in Figure 3 are provided in this disclosure. [Figure 5] Further details of the use of a portable power source in the system shown in Figure 3 are provided in this disclosure. [Figure 6] The present disclosure shows another exemplary node used in a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system. [Figure 7] The present disclosure shows yet another exemplary node used in a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system. [Figure 8] This disclosure shows an exemplary energy flow diagram at a node. [Figure 9] This disclosure shows an exemplary energy flow diagram at a node. [Figure 10] This disclosure provides an exemplary energy flow diagram for a power modulation and energy distribution system combining medium-voltage alternating current (AC), high-voltage AC, and high-voltage direct current (DC) transmission. [Figure 11A] This disclosure provides examples of power converters used in nodes of high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution systems. [Figure 11B] This disclosure provides examples of power converters used in nodes of high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution systems. [Figure 12] This disclosure provides an exemplary bidirectional AC-AC power converter used in a node of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figures 1 to 12 described below, and the various embodiments used in this patent document to illustrate the principles of the disclosure, are illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the disclosure may be implemented in any type of appropriately arranged device or system.

[0011] For the sake of brevity and clarity, some features and components are not explicitly shown in all figures, including those illustrated in conjunction with other figures. It will be understood that all features shown in the figures can be adopted in any of the embodiments described. The omission of features or components from certain figures is for the sake of brevity and clarity and does not mean that those features or components cannot be used in the embodiments described in relation to that figure. It will be understood that embodiments of this disclosure may include one, more, or all of the features described herein. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may include additional or alternative features not described herein.

[0012] As described above, conventional high-voltage, long-distance (approximately 25-150 km) power transmission systems are limited to a single point of use at the end of a long transmission line and lack the capability for intermediate power injection from mobile power sources. Conventional systems typically use constant-current direct current (DC) transmission with static power electronic converters at each terminal, converting high-voltage DC to low-voltage DC at the receiving end. As a result, these systems are limited to steady-state loads (e.g., pumps) and do not provide functionality for high-kilowatt pulse loads such as sonar. Furthermore, conventional systems do not provide solutions for multiple tap points or intermediate power supply on transmission lines.

[0013] This disclosure provides embodiments of a multi-port submarine high-voltage power modulation and energy storage distribution system. In particular, embodiments of this disclosure provide a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) or high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission system with multiple tap points, which may include mobile power inputs for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) or underwater power sources for renewable energy, and which can accommodate a wide range of different loads using one or more synchronous induction electromechanics. Each load has different impedance and power requirements, which may vary significantly over time, especially in the case of pulse loads, which are generally stochastic. Embodiments of this disclosure feature nodes with a central rotating electromechanism for mixing input and output power and converting kinetic energy (e.g., inertial flywheel energy) into usable power, which can be used further downstream or locally (e.g., to power a UUV, submarine, or other load). Since the electromechanism and its energy storage unit are bidirectional in terms of power and energy, the electromechanism can absorb power brought to the node by a UUV or other source, or transmit power to one or more UUVs or other destinations at each node. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure can have a smaller form factor than conventional systems.

[0014] It will be understood that embodiments of this disclosure may include one, more, or all of the features described herein. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may include, additionally or alternatively, other features not described herein. While embodiments of this disclosure are described in relation to naval vessels, UUVs, and naval power systems, these embodiments are applicable to other suitable systems or applications.

[0015] Figure 1 shows an exemplary high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system 100 according to the present disclosure. As will be described in more detail below, system 100 is a high-voltage system with a single power source and multiple tap points for multiple loads. System 100 features mixed AC and DC power transmission and variable voltage boosting capabilities.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes a land-based power supply 102. The power supply 102 may be a commercial power supply, a generator dedicated to the system, or other suitable power supply. In a specific example, the power supply 102 may generate AC power of approximately 15 kV. The AC power is input to an AC-DC converter 104, which converts the AC power to DC power. In some embodiments, the AC-DC converter 104 also increases the power supply voltage. In a specific example, the output of the AC-DC converter 104 may be approximately 20 kV DC. These voltages (and other system voltages described below) are merely examples, and it will be understood that other voltages are possible and within the scope of this disclosure.

[0017] Power supply 102 is connected in series to multiple nodes 110a-110c and supplies power to multiple nodes 110a-110c. Each node 110a-110c is associated with a corresponding load 112a-112c. Loads 112a-112c are marine or underwater loads and are typically pulse loads, but non-pulse loads can also be used. Different loads 112a-112c can represent different equipment with different power requirements. For example, load 112a may include communication equipment, load 112b may include a sonar station, and load 112c may include a UUV docking station with inductive power transmission (IPT) capabilities for charging or powering UUVs. Each load 112a-112c can be coupled to the corresponding node 110a-110c at the corresponding load tap points 114a-114c. In some embodiments, the pulse load repetition frequency of any of the individual loads 112a-112c may be about 5-30 Hz. Also, in some embodiments, the slew rate of any of the individual loads 112a-112c may be about 1-3 MW / s. The system 100 is described as including three nodes 110a-110c and three loads 112a-112c, but other numbers of nodes and loads are also possible.

[0018] Nodes 110a to 110c are connected to power supply 102 and to each other in series, and are separated from each other by transmission lines 116a to 116c. For example, transmission line 116a connects AC-DC converter 104 in series to the first node 110a, transmission line 116b connects the first node 110a in series to the second node 110b, and transmission line 116c connects the second node 110b in series to the third node 110c. Due to the physical distances between different loads 112a to 112c, the lengths of transmission lines 116a to 116c are typically several kilometers. In some embodiments, transmission lines 116a to 116c may include a mixture of AC and DC transmission lines. For example, transmission line 116a may be a DC transmission line, and transmission lines 116b and 116c may be AC transmission lines. The type of current and voltage flowing through each of transmission lines 116a to 116c can be determined at least in part based on the length of each of transmission lines 116a to 116c. For example, in a short transmission line (e.g., less than about 10 km in length), a low-voltage or medium-voltage AC current (e.g., about 10 to 15 kV) can be transmitted. A medium-length transmission line (e.g., about 15 km in length) can transmit an AC current at a higher voltage (e.g., about 15 to 30 kV). A long-distance transmission line (e.g., more than about 25 km in length) can transmit a high-voltage DC current (e.g., about 20 to 50 kV). Each of transmission lines 116a to 116c can exhibit a voltage drop (e.g., about 3 to 5 kV) along its length.

[0019] Each of the nodes 110a - 110c includes a plurality of components for converting, modulating, and storing power from the power supply 102. For example, each of the nodes 110a - 110c includes high - speed synchronous rotating machines (HSRMs) 118a - 118c coupled to inertial energy storage units 120a - 120c (e.g., flywheels), as well as power converters 122a - 122c. Each of the HSRMs 118a - 118c is a multi - port synchronous input / induction output electrical machine having one input stator port and two output stator ports in addition to a rotor port that can receive a small excitation power. Each of the HSRMs 118a - 118c represents an independent rotating small machine for supplying power and stored energy to the corresponding loads 112a - 112c. Thereby, the entire system 100 can be made into a single - power - source, multi - tap system capable of accommodating multiple loads. With this arrangement, the pulse effector (when used) can be completely separated from the pulse sensor load (e.g., sonar), and rapid power fluctuations with respect to the transmission lines 116a - 116c and the power supply 102 can also be buffered.

[0020] At least the first two HSRMs 118a and 118b in series can boost the voltage level from the input port to the output port. For example, HSRMs 118a and 118b can boost the voltage from an input of about 10 kVAC to an output of about 15 kVAC. In some embodiments, HSRMs 118a and 118b can have a stator output of about 755 VAC, three - phase or rectified, or about 1.0 kVDC, depending on the corresponding loads 112a and 112b. Also, in some embodiments, HSRM 118c can have an input of about 12 kVAC and a six - phase output of about 1,500 VAC. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the HSRMs 118a - 118c can have a synchronous motor rating of about 500 kW, 32 poles, and a base speed of 1125 revolutions per minute (RPM). The inertial energy storage units 120a - 120c can be driven, for example, at a higher speed of 20,000 rpm via a speed increaser. Of course, these parameters are merely examples, and other values are possible.

[0021] Each corresponding inertial energy storage unit 120a to 120c is configured to have an energy storage capacity that matches the worst energy consumption conditions at each tap point 114a to 114c, thereby enabling the inertial energy storage units 120a to 120c to buffer pulsed fluctuations in the transmission lines 116a to 116c. The inertial energy storage units 120a to 120c can also buffer loads 112a to 112c from interactions with other mobile power sources, as described in other embodiments below.

[0022] The power converters 122a to 122c may be DC-AC converters or AC-AC converters, depending on the transmission lines 116a to 116c from which the power converters 122a to 112c receive power. In some embodiments, power converter 122a may be a DC-AC converter of about 15kVDC to about 13.8kV, three-phase, about 10Hz, configured to supply power to HSRM 118a. Also in some embodiments, power converter 122b may be an AC-AC converter of about 10kVAC to about 2kVAC at 10Hz, with an output of about 300Hz, configured to supply power to HSRM 118b. Furthermore, in some embodiments, power converter 122c may be an AC-AC converter of about 12kVAC input to about 4kVAC at 5Hz, with an input of about 10Hz, with an output of about 300Hz, configured to supply power to HSRM 118c. Of course, these parameters are merely examples, and other values ​​are possible.

[0023] As described above, the overall architecture of system 100 enables virtually constant current transmission at high voltage levels, and HSRM118a-118c are configured to boost the voltage along long lines and convert the power to lower voltage levels for final distribution. As will be described in more detail below, each HSRM118a-118c has windings for adjusting the output load current, reactive power, and active power, and is designed to accommodate a wide range of individual tap-point loads. Impedance conversion can be performed within HSRM118a-118c, which can connect electrically isolated input and output windings in series. AC transmission can be either single-phase or multi-phase.

[0024] Figure 1 shows an example of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system 100, but various modifications can be made to Figure 1. For example, system 100 may include any number of nodes 110a to 110c and their corresponding components, and any number of loads 112a to 112c. Furthermore, the various components of system 100 may be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, rearranged, or omitted, and additional components may be added according to specific needs. Moreover, although Figure 1 shows an example of a system for high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution, this functionality can be used in any other suitable system.

[0025] Figure 2 shows an exemplary node 200 used in a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, node 200 may represent (or be represented by) one of the nodes 110a to 110c in Figure 1. However, node 200 may also be used in conjunction with any other suitable device or system.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, node 200 includes several components identical or similar to those shown in Figure 1, and a detailed description will not be repeated here. Node 200 has an input 202 that receives power from a previous node (e.g., node 110a) or a power source (e.g., power source 102). The received power is converted by an AC-to-AC power converter 204, which operates to change the voltage, frequency, or both of the received power. In some embodiments, the AC-to-AC power converter 204 converts the frequency of the received power from a frequency f1 of about 10 Hz to a frequency f2 in the range of about 50 to 500 Hz. The power is input to an HSRM 206, which represents one of HSRMs 118a to 118c. The HSRM 206 is coupled to an inertial energy storage subsystem 211, which may be a flywheel.

[0027] The HSRM206 includes a rotor port and winding R1, as well as a plurality of stator ports and windings S1, S2, S3. The rotor R1 includes a DC input port that receives DC power from the rotor exciter 208. The rotor exciter 208 supplies a fixed excitation current along with a primary input to port S1, causing the HSRM206 to rotate. The rotor exciter 208 is powered by, for example, a battery 210 (however, other power sources may also be used). Stator S1 is a multiphase input stator winding, and stators S2 and S3 are multiphase output stator windings. In some embodiments, each port associated with R1, S1, S2, S3 has a power rating within a 6:1 range relative to all other ports, has a load impedance in a 6:1 range from light load to full load, and can accommodate a wide range of pulse repetition frequencies. However, other port designs are also possible.

[0028] Power output can be directed from HSRM206 to two output stators S2 and S3. For example, power can be supplied to a subsequent node in series (e.g., node 110c) via stator S2, and power can be supplied to one or more loads 218a-218b via stator S3. Figure 2 shows two loads, DC load 218a and AC load 218b. In some embodiments, loads 218a-218b may be pulse loads. However, other numbers and types of loads are also possible. A rectifier 220 placed between stator S3 and DC load 218a can convert AC power from HSRM206 to DC power for DC load 218a. A saturated polyphase reactor 212 is attached to the input and output lines or S2 port of node 200. The shunt connection of the saturated polyphase reactor 212 can compensate for the change in impedance from input to output of HSRM206 due to the changing pulse load. The saturated multiphase reactor 212 receives control power from a power source, such as a battery 214, which can be controlled by the DC current controller 216.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an example of node 200 for use in a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system, but various modifications can be made to Figure 2. For example, node 200 may include any number of loads 218a-218b, or may be used with any number of loads 218a-218b. Also, various components within node 200 may be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, omitted, or rearranged, and further components may be added according to specific needs. Furthermore, although Figure 2 shows an example of a node for high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution, this functionality can be used in any other suitable system.

[0030] Figure 3 shows another exemplary high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system 300 according to the present disclosure. System 300 is a high-voltage system with two power sources: one onshore power source and one mobile power source (possibly submarine). As shown in Figure 3, System 300 includes a power source 302, an AC-DC power converter 304, multiple nodes 310a-310c, multiple loads 312a-312c, multiple load taps 314a-314c, multiple transmission lines 316a-316c, multiple HSRMs 318a-318c, multiple inertial energy storage flywheels 320a-320c, and multiple power converters 322a-322c. These components are the same as or similar to the corresponding components in System 100 in Figure 1, and therefore will not be described in detail here. System 300 is configured to boost the system voltage twice: once at node 310a (e.g., from approximately 15kVDC to approximately 20kVAC) and again at node 310b (e.g., from approximately 10kVAC to approximately 15kVAC).

[0031] The two AC-AC converters 322b and 322c are bidirectional in power flow. Each AC-AC converter 322b and 322c has the ability to change the frequency from the input port to the output port. Details of converters 322b and 322c are described below (for example, in relation to Figure 6). The pulse loads 312a and 312c are coupled to independent HSRM318a and HSRM318c for their respective power and stored energy supply. This allows the multitap system 300 to be adapted to multiple load stations. The inertial energy storage capacity of each HSRM318a-318c can be adjusted to suit each load site and power demand.

[0032] Each HSRM318a–318c includes a synchronous wound-field multiphase motor (one input port) directly mounted to a wound-rotor multiphase induction generator (two or more ports). This design allows for output voltages different from those of a synchronous motor. Generally, the output port provides a voltage boost to compensate for the impedance drop in long transmission lines. When the induction generator is outputting power under inertial boost, the rotor excitation frequency increases as the shaft speed decreases, thereby obtaining a substantially constant stator output frequency, which is then sent to downstream transmission lines 316b and 316c or nearby loads 312a–312c. In some cases, rotor AC excitation may be provided by a battery or step-down transformer connected to the main line, and then excitation control may be performed via a power converter with multiphase AC output. Shunt connections of multiphase saturation reactors can compensate for changes in impedance from input to output of the machine due to changing pulse loads.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, system 300 also includes a mobile power supply 324 connected to the induction generator of HSRM318b via an induction power coupler 326. The mobile power supply 324 may be, for example, an underwater vehicle such as a UUV or submarine, in which case the induction power coupler 326 is underwater. The mobile power supply 324 includes a charged battery or generator capable of supplying power (e.g., multiphase AC power) that can be input to the induction motor stator of HSRM318b. Thus, the mobile power supply 324 provides system 300 with a second independent power source in addition to the land-based power supply 302. In some embodiments, the power received from the mobile power supply 324 is sent downstream (e.g., node 310c), upstream (e.g., node 310a), or both.

[0034] Figures 4 and 5 provide further details of an example of the use of the mobile power supply 324 in the system 300 of Figure 3 according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the HSRM 318b includes a synchronous motor 402 with a DC exciter 404 (e.g., a battery or another power source). The synchronous motor 402 drives a shaft 406, which is coupled to an inertial energy storage flywheel 320b and an induction generator 408 with its own AC exciter 410. In some embodiments, the induction generator 408 is a four-pole generator of approximately 500 kW with negative sequence excitation. The induction generator 408 has two stator windings S1 and S2. Stator winding S2 receives or sends bidirectional power to or from the mobile power supply 324. Stator winding S1 includes an output port with a multiphase winding that supplies power to one or more other downstream nodes or loads. A multiphase series transformer 412 boosts the output voltage from the induction generator 408.

[0035] In Figure 5, the mobile power supply 324 is coupled to the synchronous motor 402 via an inductive power coupler 326. The mobile power supply 324 can add or receive power from node 310b via inductive power transmission (IPT) at the inductive power coupler 326 (e.g., in the case of a UUV). Load 312b is powered by another multiphase output stator S4 port of the induction generator 408 (or by an optional rectifier if load 312b is a DC power supply). As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the voltage at node 310b is amplified from approximately 9kV to approximately 13.5kV to compensate for the large voltage drop inherent in the next transmission line stage. The inertial energy storage flywheel 320b can be configured to be fully bidirectional in the power / energy flow. The flywheel 320b can be mounted on the shaft via a step-up gearbox or directly connected.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the mobile power supply 324 is capable of adding additional power to node 310b or receiving energy from node 310b. The excitation of the rotor of the HSRM 318b is combined with any intermediate power injection from the mobile power supply 324 to provide wide-ranging and efficient control at node 310b. The embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5 are unique in that they have multiple power injection points and multiple load taps. Using a medium frequency (e.g., about 300 to 3000 Hz) for underwater IPT coupling makes this power injection compact and efficient. In some embodiments, the HSRM 318a to 318c provide input / output characteristics with both positive and negative resistance characteristics. The negative resistance characteristic used here means that as the power demand of the load increases, the applied voltage increases rather than decreases.

[0037] Figures 3-5 show another example of the high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system 300 and related details, although various modifications can be made to Figures 3-5. For example, the system 300 may include any number of nodes 310a-310c and their corresponding components, and any number of loads 312a-312c. Also, the mobile power supply 324 may be connected to an HSRM other than HSRM 318b. The energy stored in the inertial energy storage flywheel 320b may be used locally or sent to another node upstream or downstream. Furthermore, depending on the specific needs, the various components within the system 300 may be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, omitted, or rearranged, and additional components may be added. In addition, although Figures 3-5 show an example of a system for high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution, this function can be used in any other suitable system.

[0038] Figure 6 shows another exemplary node 600 used in the high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system according to this disclosure. In some embodiments, node 600 may represent one of the nodes 110a-110c in Figure 1 or one of the nodes 310a-310c in Figure 3 (or be represented by one of the nodes 110a-110c in Figure 1 or one of the nodes 310a-310c in Figure 3). However, node 600 may also be used in conjunction with any other suitable device or system.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, Node 600 comprises several components that may be identical or similar to those shown in the previous figure, and a detailed explanation will not be repeated here. Node 600 is a bidirectional energy node in a large-scale system (e.g., System 100 or System 300) of multiple power nodes connected in series in a high-voltage string. Node 600 can receive power from a central (usually land-based) power source and supply this power to subsequent nodes in series. Node 600 can also receive and mix power from a mobile power source such as a submarine or UUV. Thus, Node 600 can receive power from two or more power sources. In contrast, in conventional systems, nodes are limited to supplying power to mobile loads and cannot receive power at "tap" points. Node 600 has a low-frequency (e.g., approximately 5-10 Hz) AC transmission line input and a low-frequency (e.g., approximately 5-10 Hz) AC transmission line output. The output can have a higher potential than the input, thereby compensating for long-distance voltage drops due to the inductance and resistance of the transmission line. In some embodiments, the node 600 can operate at high power levels (e.g., about 400 kW to 5 MW) and storage capacities (e.g., about 10 to 150 MJ).

[0040] Node 600 receives high-voltage (e.g., about 10kV), low-frequency (e.g., about 10Hz) power 602 from the previous node via an upstream input transmission line. The power 602 passes through one or more input vacuum circuit breakers 604 before being input to the AC-AC power converter 606. The AC-AC power converter 606 operates to convert the low-frequency power 602 to a medium frequency (e.g., about 300Hz), which is provided as input to the HSRM 608. The HSRM 608 includes rotors 610 ("R1") and 611 ("R2") and mechanical stators 612 ("S1"), 613 ("S2"), and 624 ("S5"). The HSRM 608 also includes IPT stators 614 ("S3") and 615 ("S4"). The rotor R1 includes a synchronous motor rotor DC excitation winding coupled to an excitation power supply 618 (e.g., a battery) and an excitation controller 620 for the DC rotor field. The stator S1 may include a 32-pole main synchronous motor stator input winding (e.g., operating at approximately 300 Hz) and may be magnetically coupled to the stator S1. The stator S2 is a 32-pole stator output winding for an auxiliary or synchronous motor (e.g., operating at approximately 300 Hz). The inductive power transmission primary stator S3 may include a high-voltage output port, and the inductive power transmission secondary stator S4 may include a low-voltage output port for local sensor loads.

[0041] In some embodiments, the HSRM608 features a 32-pole synchronous motor input of approximately 900 Hz. The HSRM608 is coupled to an inertia-storing flywheel 622 on the same axis as the synchronous motor. In some embodiments, the baseline axis speed is approximately 1125 RPM. The HSRM608 is also coupled to an induction generator 624 for output power supply with active rotor AC excitation, for example, at approximately 27 Hz. The induction generator 624 is on the same axis as the flywheel 622 and the HSRM synchronous motor. In some embodiments, the induction generator 624 is a wound-field induction generator / motor, including four poles on the stator winding S5, to obtain a low-frequency output of approximately 10 Hz or similar. The rotor 611 includes a multiphase AC rotor excitation winding for the induction generator 624. The winding is excited from an excitation multiphase AC rotor power supply 626 and a DC power supply, battery, or supercapacitor 628.

[0042] The output high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker 630 is connected between the induction generator 624 and the downstream transmission line 632. The downstream transmission line 632 may be a multiphase AC transmission line with a higher voltage (e.g., about 13-15 kVAC) than the input transmission line. In some embodiments, the downstream transmission line 632 may alternatively be a two-wire single-phase line. Typically, a three-phase three-wire system may be more efficient.

[0043] Node 600 also includes a docking station 634 with an IPT non-contact subsystem that interfaces between the HSRM 608 and a mobile power supply 636, which could be a UUV, submarine, small turbine generator, or ocean wave power generator. The mobile power supply 636 can transmit and receive medium-frequency AC power through the IPT magnetic field across liquid gaps such as seawater. The docking station 634 primarily uses low-voltage high-frequency AC distribution via windings 614 and 615, while the main transmission lines for the inputs and outputs of Node 600 are either low-frequency high-voltage AC or high-voltage DC. The IPT non-contact subsystem eliminates the need for electrical contacts exposed in water, which are susceptible to corrosion. Figure 6 shows only one docking station 634, but Node 600 may have multiple docking stations 634 powered by a single HSRM 608. The mid-frequency power converter 638, located between stators 613 and 614, converts the mechanical output frequency (e.g., about 300 Hz) to a higher frequency (e.g., about 900-2000 Hz), which in some embodiments may be useful for IPT devices on the transmitting side of the docking station 634.

[0044] Stator 614 includes an IPT multiphase stator winding primary unit that helps generate a magnetic field in the liquid gap at higher frequencies. Stator 615 includes an IPT multiphase winding secondary unit attached to a mobile power supply 636. Tap points A, B, and C electrically coupled to the mobile power supply 636 indicate that, for example, multiple loads may be present, with a mix of sink and source devices, and the loads may be complex. Further details of one exemplary embodiment of a multiphase inductive power transmission system across a liquid gap containing seawater are described in U.S. Patent No. 11,489,367 (incorporated herein by reference), but other embodiments are also available.

[0045] The HSRM608 features a multi-port configuration combining synchronous input windings (S1 and S2) and inductive unit output windings (S3 and S4), enabling bidirectional power flow to accommodate multiple use cases. AC currents I1, I2, I3, and I4 enable bidirectional power flow. Output current I5 may also enable bidirectional power flow. For example, in the first case, the mobile power supply 636 can inject power into node 600 to charge the inertia storage flywheel 622 or directly power the next transmission stage or node. In the second case, the mobile power supply 636 can simultaneously inject the generated power into upstream and downstream nodes and transmission lines. In the third case, the mobile power supply 636 (in the form of a power sink) can access node 600 via a contactless IPT and draw power from the inertia storage flywheel 622 or an adjacent node or transmission line. Similarly, the energy to charge the inertia storage flywheel 622 can be obtained from three power sources: (i) upstream transmission lines or nodes, (ii) downstream transmission lines or nodes, or (iii) mobile power supply 636. These power sources can be combined via the operation of HSRM 608.

[0046] Several techniques also exist for adjusting and controlling the power input and output to the inertia storage flywheel 622. For example, the first technique allows adjustment of the DC excitation of the HSRM 608 to a synchronous motor (e.g., synchronous motor 402), which can also operate as a synchronous generator when in a mode that returns energy to the upstream node. The second technique allows adjustment of the AC excitation of the HSRM 608 to a wound-field induction generator (e.g., induction generator 408), which can also operate as an induction motor in certain modes (e.g., when energy comes from a downstream transmission line), thereby increasing the speed / energy of the flywheel with input energy. The third technique allows adjustment of the output frequency of the AC / AC power converter 606, setting the synchronous motor shaft speed and, consequently, the kinetic energy. The fourth technique allows adjustment of the output frequency of the IPT power converter 638, which can also set the synchronous motor shaft speed and, consequently, the kinetic energy (when overriding the output from the third technique).

[0047] In some embodiments, the rotor winding for the HSRM608 can operate in a "negative sequence" mode, where the excitation frequency (e.g., about 27.5 Hz) is subtracted from the main magnetic field frequency (e.g., about 37.5 Hz when the shaft speed is about 1125 RPM) to obtain a lower frequency output on the stator (e.g., about 10 Hz). Node 600 may not need to use a separate transformer to raise the output voltage above the input transmission voltage. For example, the induction stator design within the HSRM608 provides output voltages to subsequent downstream nodes at substantially higher voltage levels than the input port, which is a significant advantage for systems with long transmission lines and improves overall efficiency.

[0048] Figure 6 shows another example of node 600 for use in a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system, although various modifications can be made to Figure 6. For example, node 600 can be coupled to any appropriate number of upstream and downstream nodes and transmission lines. Also, the various components within node 600 can be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, omitted, or rearranged, and further components can be added according to specific needs. Furthermore, although Figure 6 shows an example of a node for high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution, this functionality can be used in any other suitable system.

[0049] Figure 7 shows yet another example of a node 700 used in a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, node 700 may represent (or be represented by) one of the nodes 110a-110c in Figure 1, or one of the nodes 310a-310c in Figure 3. However, node 700 may also be used in conjunction with any other suitable device or system.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, Node 700 includes a power input 702, an input vacuum circuit breaker 704, a power converter 706, an HSRM 708, rotors 710 and 711, synchronous machine stators 712 and 713, IPT stators 714 and 715, an excitation power supply 718, an excitation controller 720, an inertia storage flywheel 722, an induction generator 724, an excitation multiphase AC rotor power supply 726, a battery 728, multiple vacuum circuit breakers 730, a downstream transmission line 732, a docking station 734, and an AC-AC power converter 738. These components may be identical or similar to the corresponding components in Node 600 in Figure 6, and a detailed explanation will not be repeated here. However, Node 700 is characterized by several differences compared to Node 600. For example, the input transmission line to Node 700 is high-voltage DC rather than AC. Therefore, the power input 702 is DC, and the associated power converter 706 is a DC-to-multiphase AC converter for supplying power to the synchronous motor stator S1 712.

[0051] The pulse device 736 is electrically coupled to the output of the IPT stator S4. The pulse device 736 is a DC node and may be a combination of a mobile DC power supply 740 (e.g., a low-voltage DC fuel cell) and an energy sink (e.g., a sonar load). In some embodiments, the pulse device 736 includes a UUV or submarine. The battery 742 coupled to the pulse device 736 may be a bidirectional load / power supply depending on its charge state. The secondary IPT winding of the stator 715 is connected to an AC / DC rectifier inverter 744 to directly power the pulse device 736 on a mobile platform as a power supply or sink.

[0052] If the battery 742 is depleted due to the pulse device 736 operating at a high repetition rate, the battery 742 can be recharged by the DC power supply 740, an IPT connected to the rest of node 700, or a combination of these power supplies. In some embodiments, the battery 742 may be replaced by a supercapacitor. The downstream transmission line 732 is shown as an AC transmission line, but it may also be a DC transmission line. The power converter 706 may be configured to accept universal AC / DC input power.

[0053] Both the synchronous and induction electromachines of the HSRM708 can be bidirectional in the inflow and outflow of power and energy to and from the stator windings. For example, the synchronous motor primary winding S1 of the stator 712 can also be a synchronous generator that sends back this energy obtained from the inertia storage flywheel 722 to the power input 702 via the power converter 706. The stator winding S2 that powers the IPT can also receive power from the pulse device 736 (while operating as a power source) via the IPT and the primary winding S3 of the stator 714. The received power can be used in several ways, for example, to add energy to the inertia storage flywheel 722 (by increasing the shaft speed) or to send this energy back to the power input 702 for use by the upstream node. The primary excitation of the common rotor winding that energizes both the S1 and S2 windings is shown as winding R1, which is powered by the excitation power supply 718 and the excitation controller 720. The S5 stator winding of the induction generator 724 may be an induction motor, which allows power / energy to be extracted from downstream nodes and downstream transmission lines 732 at a low frequency of approximately 10 Hz. In this case, the S5 stator winding may be increasing the rotational speed of the inertia storage flywheel 722 and increasing its inertial kinetic energy, rather than being worn out.

[0054] The excitation multiphase AC rotor power supply 726 for the rotor 711 and the battery 728 that supplies power to the rotor winding R2 can be charged mainly from a low-voltage tap (and rectifier, not shown) on the output line I1 of the power converter 706 that supplies power to the stator 712. Similarly, the power supplied to the excitation controller 720 can also be obtained from a low-voltage tap and rectifier on the converter output line I1.

[0055] Figure 7 shows another example of node 700 for use in a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system, although various modifications can be made to Figure 7. For example, node 700 can be coupled to any appropriate number of upstream and downstream nodes and transmission lines. Also, the various components within node 700 can be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, omitted, or rearranged, and further components can be added according to specific needs. Furthermore, although Figure 7 shows an example of a node used in high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution, this functionality can be used in any other suitable system.

[0056] Figures 8 and 9 show exemplary energy flow diagrams in node 700 according to the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 8 shows an example of forward energy flow, and Figure 9 shows an example of reverse energy flow. In the example shown in Figure 8, there are two passive loads coupled to node 700. All power inputs 702 ("E0") are assumed to be received from a mains power source (e.g., power supply 102) and first sent via a high-voltage DC transmission line 802 to a DC / AC power converter 706, where the output E1 is assumed to be supplied at a medium frequency (e.g., about 300 Hz) to a synchronous machine stator multiphase winding S1 712. This functions as a motor winding, increasing the speed of a shaft connected to an inertia storage flywheel 722 and imparting energy E7 to the shaft.

[0057] Simultaneously, stator S1 712 is magnetically coupled to stator S2 713, which also generates energy E3 at a medium frequency (e.g., approximately 300 Hz). Energy E3 is frequency-converted to a higher frequency (e.g., approximately 900-2000 Hz) by AC-AC power converter 738 and is referred to as energy E4. This multiphase power corresponding to E4 is supplied to the multiphase IPT "transmitter" unit of stator 714, which generates a magnetic field across the seawater gap to the corresponding IPT "receiver" of stator 715, which is also a multiphase winding and magnetic assembly. The seawater gap for power transmission is approximately 1-5 inches (2.5-12.7 cm), avoiding contact-type power transmission in corrosive seawater.

[0058] The IPT receiver 715 is connected to an AC-DC rectifier inverter 744 on a mobile platform or UUV, and outputs DC power to two exemplary loads on the mobile platform: (i) a pulse load 736 which may be a sonar transmitter / receiver consuming energy E6, and (ii) a battery 742 which consuming energy E5 to recharge its electrolyte. Either of these loads may be probabilistic or transient by nature.

[0059] The inertia storage flywheel 722 can be charged to its maximum kinetic potential (if necessary) by the input mechanical energy E7. When required by the downstream load, the kinetic energy is extracted by the action of the stator winding S5 of the induction generator 724 and converted into power as energy E8. The speed of the inertia storage flywheel 722 changes from high speed (e.g., about 1125 RPM) to low speed (e.g., about 500 RPM) when energy is being extracted by the downstream node. The stator S5 has a main multiphase output port that generates energy E9 in the form of low-frequency AC power (e.g., multiphase AC), which can be converted to a voltage by a transformer (not shown in Figure 8) or sent directly to the downstream transmission line 732 for transmission of energy E9 to the next node.

[0060] If the kVA capacity of the machine set is sufficiently large (e.g., about 250 kVA or more), the S5 stator winding of the induction generator 724 may be wound for a high voltage output (e.g., about 15 kVRMS). If the output capacity of the S5 stator winding is small (e.g., less than about 250 kVA) and the diameter is small, the machine output potential may be limited (e.g., about 1.2 kVRMS) and it may function in connection with a step-up transformer. The induction generator 724 has a winding-field multiphase rotor for excitation, as will be described in more detail below. By supplying power to the excitation circuit of the induction generator 724 in negative sequence mode, the stator output frequency may be obtained by subtracting the excitation frequency (e.g., about 27.5 Hz) from the rotor electromagnetic frequency of about 37.5 Hz (corresponding to an axial speed of about 1125 RPM), and about 10 Hz is obtained at the S5 stator port for subsequent power transmission. As the rotor speed decreases due to energy extraction, the controller reduces the rotor excitation frequency accordingly to generate the desired low-frequency stator output. When the inertia storage flywheel 722 reaches its lower limit speed (e.g., about 500 RPM or about 40% of the maximum speed), the inertia storage flywheel 722 can be recharged by a shore power supply received at node 700, first from energy E0, then from electrical energy E1, and then from E7 for machine shaft power.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 9, a reverse power flow is illustrated in which a fuel cell on a mobile platform supplies power. As shown in Figure 9, a mobile DC power source 740 (e.g., an electrochemical fuel cell or electrochemical battery in a highly charged state within a UUV or submarine) generates power / energy E5, and this energy is transmitted through a possible pulse shunt load 736 (e.g., a mobile sonar load) to reduce energy by only E6. After conversion by a DC-AC converter 902 (e.g., to approximately 900 Hz), the energy E5 minus E6 is sent as energy E4 through the seawater IPT (S4 and S3 magnetic winding assemblies of stators 715 and 714, respectively) to an AC-AC power converter 738, and then sent as energy E3 at a lower frequency (e.g., approximately 300 Hz) to a synchronous stator 713, which then transmits the inertia storage flywheel 722 to the axial speed (outside 1) It drives up to TIFF2026522161000002.tif5170. The kinetic energy stored in the inertia storage flywheel 722 is given by the formula

number

[0062] Electrical energy E2 is output from the stator 713 via a common magnetic circuit with the stator 712, and its output energy E1 also supplies power to the DC-AC power converter 706, which in turn outputs high-voltage DC power with energy E0 to the upstream node via the high-voltage DC transmission line 802. This assumes that energy is needed at the upstream node; otherwise, E1 and E0 could be zero, and all of the E2 energy could be used directly to enhance the kinetic energy of the inertia storage flywheel 722. Thus, the energy E5 generated on the mobile platform has two final paths for enhancing the system energy.

[0063] The energy E7 from the mechanical output of the synchronous machine for charging the inertia storage flywheel 722 allows the same axial energy E8 (slightly less than E7) to drive the induction generator 724 as a multiphase generator. If the energy E5 generated on the mobile platform is zero, then all of the E8 energy output to the transmission line 732 or the next node can be obtained from the energy stored in the inertia storage flywheel 722. The energy E9 output by the induction generator 724 is controlled in magnitude and voltage by a rotor excitation circuit (not specifically shown in Figure 9). The low-frequency energy E9 is then used to power the transmission line 732 to the downstream node at medium voltage AC (MVAC) (e.g., about 10-15 kVRMS) (after a vacuum circuit breaker and an optional step-up transformer). Thus, surplus energy from one mobile UUV can assist another UUV further downstream that requires battery energy augmentation.

[0064] In some implementations, each UUV is equipped with communication / sonar equipment and a propulsion motor, using energy stored in the UUV's battery power supply. In some embodiments, each UUV may return periodically or probabilistically to an IPT or contact-type electric docking station to recharge its battery or supercapacitor energy storage.

[0065] Figures 8 and 9 show examples of energy flow diagrams in node 700, but various modifications can be made to Figures 8 and 9. For example, Figure 8 shows a DC input to AC output node 700, but in other embodiments, it can accommodate AC or DC input power and energy (for example, by using the circuits shown in Figures 11A and 11B below) for a combination of DC link inverter stages supplying power to the stator 712. Also, the various components within node 700 can be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, omitted, or rearranged, and further components can be added according to specific needs. Furthermore, although Figures 8 and 9 show examples of energy flow diagrams used in high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution, this functionality can be used in any other suitable system.

[0066] Figure 10 shows an exemplary energy flow diagram for a power modulation and energy distribution system 1000, including a combined MVAC, HVAC, and HVDC transmission, according to the present disclosure. As previously stated, MVAC (e.g., about 10–15 kVRMS) may be used for short transmission lines (e.g., less than about 10 km in length), HVAC (e.g., about 15–30 kVRMS) may be used for medium-length transmission lines (e.g., about 15 km in length), and HVDC (e.g., about 20–50 kVDC) may be used for long-distance submarine transmission (e.g., more than about 25 km in length).

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, system 1000 includes a plurality of power nodes 1001-1004 connected in series to the main power supply 1010 via a plurality of transmission lines 1005-1008. Each power node 1001-1004 can represent one of the power nodes described in the previous figure, for example, nodes 110a-110c, 310a-310c, 600, or 700. Each power node 1001-1004 can "receive" and "transmit" bidirectional power by DC-AC or AC-AC power converters, which also function as variable-speed frequency converters for driving the axis speed of an electromachine up and down. Each power node 1001-1004 also includes an inertial energy storage unit and at least three power ports. One or more of the power nodes 1001-1004 may have a plurality of local stochastic loads and two or more output local ports, as shown in power node 1004.

[0068] In some embodiments, power nodes 1001-1004 are “repeatable” or “stackable,” meaning that power nodes 1001-1004 have similar or identical basic designs and their input / output voltages match. Such repeatability enables multiple mobile subsea power sources, with each power node 1001-1004 having the ability to boost the input-to-output voltage to compensate for voltage drops in long transmission lines between adjacent nodes. System 1000 allows at least some power nodes 1001-1004 to be disconnected from the main power source 1010 (e.g., by disconnecting transmission lines 1005-1008), and the disconnected power nodes 1001-1004 can remain in a semi-functional state (e.g., maintain operation) if at least one subsea node is receiving power / energy injection from a submarine or UUV, etc. An example of this is shown as occurring at power node 1003.

[0069] Figure 10 shows an example of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system 1000, but various modifications can be made to Figure 10. For example, system 1000 may include any number of power nodes 1001-1004 and transmission lines 1005-1008. Also, the various components within system 1000 may be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, omitted, or rearranged, and further components may be added according to specific needs. Furthermore, although Figure 10 shows an example of a system for high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution, this functionality can be used in any other suitable system.

[0070] Figures 11A and 11B show examples of power converters used in nodes of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system according to the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 11A shows an exemplary AC-AC power converter 1101 (which may represent one of AC-AC power converters 122b, 122c, 204, 322b, 322c, or 606), and Figure 11B shows an exemplary DC-AC power converter 1102 (which may represent one of DC-AC power converters 122a, 322a, or 706).

[0071] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, each power converter 1101 and 1102 has an input power 1103 and an output power 1104. In the AC-AC power converter 1101, the input power 1103 is low-frequency (e.g., about 5-10 Hz) AC power of about 10-15 kVAC. In the DC-AC power converter 1102, the input power 1103 is medium-voltage or high-voltage DC power. Each power converter 1101 and 1102 also includes multiple thyristors 1105. Each thyristor 1105 represents multiple (e.g., four or more) devices connected in series to achieve a high blocking voltage. The output power 1104 of both power converters 1101 and 1102 is AC power in the frequency range of about 300-500 Hz. The output power 1104 is supplied to the electromechanical input stator winding (e.g., stator 612 or 712).

[0072] Figures 11A and 11B show examples of power converters 1101 and 1102 used in a node of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system, although various modifications can be made to Figures 11A and 11B. Furthermore, the various components within power converters 1101 and 1102 can be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, omitted, or rearranged, and additional components can be added according to specific needs. Also, while Figures 11A and 11B show examples of power converters used in a node of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system, this functionality can also be used in other suitable systems.

[0073] Figure 12 shows an exemplary bidirectional AC-AC power converter 1200 used in a node of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the bidirectional AC-AC power converter 1200 may represent a power converter 638 or an AC-AC power converter 738, which provide controllable voltage and controllable frequency outputs. As shown in Figure 12, the power converter 1200 includes a forward converter 1201 and a reverse converter 1202 that operate between two nodes 1203 and 1204 and enable forward or reverse power flow. The forward converter 1201 and the reverse converter 1202 may each have the same or similar circuitry as the AC-AC power converter 1101 in Figure 11A, which includes a plurality of thyristors 1205. Other power semiconductors such as IGBTs and IGCTs may be used instead of the thyristors 1205.

[0074] Node 1203 (which can be an input or output depending on the operating direction of power converter 1200) can be an IPT multiphase primary stator winding for the S3 stator (e.g., stator 614 or 714). Node 1204 (which can be an input or output depending on the operating direction of power converter 1200) can be a multiphase synchronous stator winding for the S2 stator (e.g., stator 613 or 713).

[0075] Figure 12 shows an exemplary bidirectional AC-AC power converter 1200 used in a node of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system, although various modifications can be made to Figure 12. Furthermore, the various components within the power converter 1200 can be combined, further subdivided, duplicated, omitted, or rearranged, and additional components can be added according to specific needs. Also, while Figure 12 shows an AC-AC power converter used in a node of a high-voltage power modulation and energy distribution system, this functionality can also be used in other suitable systems.

[0076] In some embodiments, the various functions described in this patent document are implemented or supported by computer programs formed from computer-readable program code and embodied in computer-readable media. The term "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The term "computer-readable media" includes any type of media that a computer can access, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), hard disk drives (HDDs), compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), or any other type of memory.

[0077] It may be beneficial to provide definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “Application” and “Program” mean one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or parts thereof, as adapted for implementation in appropriate computer code (including source code, object code, or executable code). The term “communicate” and its derivatives encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise” and their derivatives mean to include without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive and means and / or. The phrase “associated with” and its derivatives may mean to include, contain, connect with, include, connect to or with, combine with or communicate with, cooperate with, sandwich, juxtapose, be close to, be bound to or with, have, possess the characteristics of, have a relationship with or with. When the phrase "at least one of" is used in a list of items, it means that one or more different combinations of the listed items may be used, and that only one item from the list may be required. For example, "at least one of: A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B and C.

[0078] The descriptions in this disclosure should not be interpreted as implying that any particular element, step, or function must be an essential or important element of the claims. The scope of the subject matter is defined solely by the permitted claims. Furthermore, no claim shall exercise 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or elements of the claims unless the exact phrases “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in a particular claim followed by a participial phrase specifying a function. The use of terms such as “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “member,” “apparatus,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” or “controller” in a claim is understood to and intended to refer to (but not limited to) a structure known to those skilled in the art, which may be further modified or enhanced by the features of the claim itself, and not intended to exercise 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

[0079] While this disclosure has described specific embodiments and generally related methods, alternative and substitute forms of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description of exemplary embodiments does not define or limit this disclosure. Other modifications, substitutions, and alternatives are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. It is a system, The system comprises multiple electrical nodes connected in series to the main power supply via multiple transmission lines, and each of the said nodes is: A power converter configured to receive first power from the main power source or another of the plurality of nodes upstream of the node via a corresponding one of the transmission lines, wherein the power converter is configured to change at least one of the voltage level and the frequency of the first power, A high-speed synchronous rotary machine (HSRM) comprising an inertia-storing flywheel, a rotating excitation assembly, a plurality of stator windings, and a synchronous motor coupled to an induction generator, the HSRM being configured to boost the voltage level between the input and output in order to compensate for the voltage drop of the first power over the length of the corresponding transmission line, The system further includes an inductive power coupler configured to electrically couple the node to a mobile power source configured to (i) supply a second power to the node and (ii) receive a portion of the first power from the node using contactless inductive power transmission.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile power source includes an underwater vehicle.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the nodes is further configured to transmit the second power supplied by the mobile power source to at least one upstream or downstream node.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the nodes further comprises an inertial energy storage flywheel coupled to the synchronous motor of the HSRM, the inertial energy storage flywheel being configured such that (i) its velocity and kinetic energy are increased by the second power supplied by the mobile power supply, and (ii) its velocity and kinetic energy are decreased when the mobile power supply receives the portion of the first power.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the induction generator outputs power, the HSRM is configured to receive rotor excitation power such that the frequency increases as the speed of the shaft coupled to the induction generator decreases, and a constant output frequency is obtained in one of the stators.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission line comprises at least one direct current (DC) transmission line and at least one alternating current (AC) transmission line.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one AC transmission line is configured to transmit AC power at a frequency of about 10 Hz or less.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the transmission lines is at least 10 kilometers long and is configured to transmit power at a voltage level of about 10 kV or higher.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein when at least some of the nodes are disconnected from the main power supply, the disconnected nodes are configured to maintain operation by receiving power from the mobile power supply electrically coupled to at least one of the nodes.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein each node further comprises a tap point configured to electrically couple the node to a load receiving at least a portion of the first power.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the load includes at least one of communication equipment, a sonar station, a submarine, and an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).

12. It is a node, A power converter configured to receive first power from a main power source or an upstream node via a power transmission line, wherein the power converter is configured to change at least one of the voltage level and the frequency of the first power, A high-speed synchronous rotary machine (HSRM) comprising an inertia-storing flywheel, a rotating excitation assembly, a plurality of stator windings, and a synchronous motor coupled to an induction generator, and configured to boost the voltage level between the input and output to compensate for the voltage drop of the first power over the length of the transmission line, A node comprising: (i) an inductive power coupler configured to electrically couple the node to a mobile power source configured to supply a second power to the node and (ii) receive a portion of the first power from the node using contactless inductive power transmission.

13. The node according to claim 12, wherein the mobile power source includes an underwater vehicle.

14. The node according to claim 12, wherein the node is further configured to transmit the second power supplied by the mobile power source to at least one of the upstream and downstream nodes.

15. The node according to claim 12, further comprising an inertial energy storage flywheel coupled to the synchronous motor of the HSRM, wherein the inertial energy storage flywheel is configured such that (i) velocity and kinetic energy are increased by a second power supplied by the mobile power supply, and (ii) velocity and kinetic energy are decreased when the mobile power supply receives a portion of the first power.

16. The node according to claim 12, wherein when the induction generator outputs power, the HSRM is configured to receive rotor excitation power such that the frequency increases as the speed of the shaft coupled to the induction generator decreases, and a constant output frequency is obtained in one of the stators.

17. The node according to claim 12, further comprising a tap point configured to connect the node to a load receiving at least a portion of the first power.

18. The node according to claim 17, wherein the load includes at least one of a communication device, a sonar station, a submarine, and an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).

19. It is a system, Land-based main power supply, A first node connected to the main power supply via a first power transmission line, A second node connected to the first node via a second power transmission line, A third node connected to the second node via a third power transmission line, Each of the first node, the second node, and the third node is: A power converter configured to receive first power from the main power source or another of the nodes via one of the corresponding transmission lines, wherein the power converter is configured to change at least one of the voltage level and the frequency of the first power, A high-speed synchronous rotary machine (HSRM) comprising an inertia-storing flywheel, a rotating excitation assembly, a plurality of stator windings, and a synchronous motor coupled to an induction generator, the HSRM being configured to boost the voltage level between the input and output to compensate for the voltage drop of the first power over the length of the corresponding transmission line, At least one of the first node, the second node, and the third node further includes an inductive power coupler configured to electrically couple the node to a mobile power source configured to (i) supply a second power to the node and (ii) receive a portion of the first power from the node using contactless inductive power transmission. A system in which the first transmission line includes a direct current (DC) transmission line, and at least one of the second and third transmission lines includes an alternating current (AC) transmission line.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the mobile power source includes an underwater vehicle.

21. The system according to claim 19, wherein the power converter is configured to supply bidirectional energy and power flows.

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