Power supply system and power supply method

Abstract

A power feeding system (1001) according to the present disclosure feeds power to a relay device (2) on a branch submarine cable that is branched off from a trunk submarine cable by a branching device (1). The power feeding system (1001) according to the present disclosure feeds power to the relay device (2) by means of a branching power-feeding path (BE) that is connected to a trunk-line power-feeding path (TE) provided to the trunk submarine cable. When feeding power to the relay device (2), the branching power-feeding path (BE) channels a current flowing from one side of the trunk submarine cable to the relay device (2), and then loops back and channels said current to the other side of the trunk submarine cable.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system, a branching device, and a power supply method. [Background technology]

[0002] Submarine cables can be branched by branching devices. Patent documents 1 to 3 disclose submarine cable systems equipped with power supply lines for feeding power to repeaters inserted on the branched submarine cables.

[0003] In the submarine cable systems disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, a landing station is provided at the end of each branched submarine cable, and power is supplied from the landing station to repeater devices on the branched submarine cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-093539 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 092806 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2020 / 261924 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the submarine cable systems disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, in order to supply power to the repeater devices on the branched submarine cables, it is necessary to install landing stations at the ends of the branched submarine cables, which poses a problem of making the facilities required for powering the repeater devices more complex.

[0006] Furthermore, when a branched submarine cable is connected to another submarine cable at both ends, i.e., when two submarine cables are connected by a branched submarine cable, there is also the problem that power cannot be supplied to the repeater device on the branched submarine cable.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a power supply system, a branching device, and a power supply method that can simplify the equipment for supplying power to relay devices on branched submarine cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The power supply system according to the present disclosure includes: A power supply system for supplying power to a repeater on a branch submarine cable branched from a trunk submarine cable by a branching device, power is supplied to the repeater device through a branch power supply line connected to a trunk power supply line provided in the trunk submarine cable; When power is supplied to a repeater on the branch submarine cable, the branch power supply line causes current flowing from one side of the trunk submarine cable to flow to the repeater, and then turns back and flows to the other side of the trunk submarine cable. It is a power supply system.

[0009] The branching device according to the present disclosure comprises: A branching device for branching a branch submarine cable from a trunk submarine cable, comprising: a trunk power feed line provided in the trunk submarine cable is connected to a branch power feed line that feeds power to a repeater device on a branch submarine cable; When power is supplied to a repeater device on the branch submarine cable, a current flowing from one side of the main power feed line is made to flow to the repeater device, and a current flowing from the repeater device is made to flow to the other side of the main power feed line. It is a branching device.

[0010] The power supply method according to the present disclosure includes: A power supply method for supplying power to a repeater on a branch submarine cable branched from a trunk submarine cable by a branching device, comprising: power is supplied to the repeater device through a branch power supply line connected to a trunk power supply line provided in the trunk submarine cable; When the branch power feed line supplies power to a repeater device on the branch submarine cable, the current flowing from one side of the trunk power feed line is passed to the repeater device, and then turned back and passed to the other side of the trunk power feed line. This is the power supply method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present disclosure can provide a power supply system, a branching device, and a power supply method that can simplify the equipment for supplying power to repeaters on a branched submarine cable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a submarine cable system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information transmission system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system according to a related art. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system according to a related art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (How the issue related to this disclosure arose) <Power supply system for repeater equipment on submarine cables> Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the circumstances under which the problems related to the present disclosure arise will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system according to the related art.

[0014] A power feeding system 9001 according to the related art is a power feeding system that feeds power to a repeater on a submarine cable, and includes a power feeding line E901, a power feeding device 932a, a power feeding device 932b, and a repeater 902.

[0015] The power supply devices 932a and 932b are devices installed at landing stations of the submarine cable for outputting electric power. The power supply devices 932a and 932b are each connected to an end of the power supply line E901. The power supply devices 932a and 932b apply voltages of different signs to the end of the power supply line E901, causing a DC current to flow through the power supply line E901. Hereinafter, unless there is a particular need to distinguish between the power supply device 932a and the power supply device 932b, they will be referred to as the power supply device 932.

[0016] The power feed line E901 is a conductor provided in the submarine cable. Power feed devices 932 are connected to both ends of the power feed line E901, and a repeater device 902 is inserted on the power feed line E901.

[0017] The power supply line E901 receives voltages with different signs applied to both ends thereof by the power supply device 932. A direct current flows through the power supply line E901 with voltages applied to both ends thereof. The power supply line E901 supplies the DC current to the repeater device 902, thereby supplying power.

[0018] The repeater 902 is a device inserted into the submarine cable and connected to the power feed line E901. The repeater 902 receives power from the direct current supplied from the power feed line E901.

[0019] As described above, in the power supply system 9001 according to the related art, the power supply device 932 applies a voltage to the power supply line E901 to cause a constant current to flow. Then, the relay device 902 obtains power from the constant current flowing through the power supply line E901.

[0020] <Power supply system for repeater devices on branched submarine cables> Next, a power supply system for relay devices on a branched submarine cable according to a related art will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system according to a related art.

[0021] A power feeding system 9002 according to the related art is a power feeding system that feeds power to repeaters on a branched submarine cable, and includes power feeding lines E901 and E902, power feeding devices 932a to 932c, a branching device 901, and a repeater 902.

[0022] The power supply devices 932a to 932c are devices installed at landing stations of the submarine cable and output power. The power supply devices 932a and 932b are each connected to an end of the power supply line E901. The power supply devices 932a and 932b apply voltages of different signs to the end of the power supply line E901, causing a DC current to flow through the power supply line E901. On the other hand, the power supply device 932c is connected to the end of the power supply line E902, and applies a voltage to the end of the power supply line E901 to cause a direct current to flow through the power supply line E902.

[0023] The power feed line E901 is a conductor provided in the submarine cable, and power feeding devices 932a and 932b are connected to both ends of the power feed line E901, respectively. Although not shown for simplicity, a repeater similar to repeater 902 is inserted on power feed line E901.

[0024] The power supply line E901 receives voltages with different signs applied to both ends from power supply devices 932a and 932b, respectively. A direct current flows through the power supply line E901 to which the voltages are applied. The power supply line E901 supplies the DC current to the relay device to supply power.

[0025] The power feed line E902 is a conductor provided in a submarine cable that branches off from the submarine cable including the power feed line E901. One end of the power feed line E902 is connected to the power feed device 932c, and the other end is grounded via the branching device 901.

[0026] The power supply line E902 receives a voltage applied to one end from the power supply device 932c, and a direct current flows through the power supply line E902 to which the voltage is applied. The power supply line E902 supplies the DC current to the repeater 902, thereby supplying power.

[0027] The branching device 901 is a device inserted into the submarine cable for branching the submarine cable. The branching device 901 is connected to the power feed lines E901 and E902, and connects one end of the power feed line E902 to earth.

[0028] The repeater 902 is a device inserted into the branched submarine cable and connected to the power feed line E 902. The repeater 902 obtains power from the constant current supplied from the power feed line E 902.

[0029] As described above, the power feeding system 9002 according to the related art connects the power feeding device 932c to the end of the earthed power feeding line E902, and feeds power to the repeater device 902 on the branched submarine cable.

[0030] That is, in the power feeding system 9002 according to the related art, it is necessary to connect a power feeding device to the end of the branched submarine cable, which leads to the complication of the power feeding facility. Furthermore, since it is necessary to install a landing station to accommodate the power feeding device at the end of the branched submarine cable, there is also the problem that it is not possible to connect two systems of submarine cables using the branched submarine cable.

[0031] (Outline of the embodiment) Therefore, the power supply system according to the present disclosure is configured to supply power to a repeater on a branched submarine cable by a branch feed line connected to a trunk feed line provided on the submarine cable. When supplying power to a repeater on a branched submarine cable, the branch feed line passes current flowing from one side of the trunk feed line to the repeater, then turns it back and passes it to the other side of the trunk feed line.

[0032] This configuration allows power to be supplied to repeaters on the branched submarine cables without the need for a landing station at the end of the branched submarine cables, simplifying the equipment for supplying power to repeaters. As a result, two submarine cables can be connected by the branched submarine cables.

[0033] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The power supply system 1001 according to the first embodiment is a power supply system that supplies power to a relay device on a branch submarine cable branched from a trunk submarine cable by a branching device. However, the term "trunk submarine cable" as used here refers to a submarine cable with both ends connected to landing stations, and the term "branch submarine cable" refers to a submarine cable with one or both ends connected to a branching device installed on the trunk submarine cable. The power supply system 1001 includes a branching device 1, a repeater device 2, a trunk power supply line TE, and a branching power supply line BE.

[0035] The branching device 1 is a device inserted onto a trunk submarine cable, and branches off a branch submarine cable from the trunk submarine cable. The repeater 2 is a device inserted onto the branch submarine cable and connected to the branch power feed line BE. The repeater 2 obtains power from the current supplied from the branch power feed line BE.

[0036] The trunk feeder TE is a conductor that carries current and is installed in the trunk submarine cable. The trunk feeder TE is connected to the branch feeder BE. When the trunk power feed line TE supplies power to the relay device 2, the trunk power feed line TE passes the current I flowing from one side of the trunk power feed line TE to the branch power feed line BE. In addition, the trunk power feed line TE passes the current I flowing from the branch power feed line BE to the other side of the trunk power feed line TE.

[0037] The branch feeder BE is a conductor for carrying current provided in the branch submarine cable and is connected to the trunk feeder TE. The branch power feed line BE passes the current I flowing from the main power feed line TE to the relay device 2, supplying power to the relay device 2. After supplying power to the relay device 2, the branch power feed line BE turns back and passes the current I to the other side of the main power feed line TE.

[0038] As described above, the power supply system 1001 according to this embodiment supplies power to the relay device 2 via the branch power supply line BE connected to the trunk power supply line TE provided on the submarine cable. When power is supplied to the relay device 2, the branch power supply line BE causes the current I flowing from one side of the trunk power supply line TE to flow to the relay device 2, and then turns back and flows to the other side of the trunk power supply line TE.

[0039] With this configuration, the power supply system 1001 according to this embodiment can supply power to a repeater inserted on a branch submarine cable even if the end of the branch submarine cable on the side where the branching device is not connected is not connected to a power supply device. As a result, the power supply system 1001 according to this embodiment can simplify the equipment for supplying power to repeaters on branched submarine cables. It can also supply power to repeaters on branched submarine cables whose ends branch off from two different trunk submarine cables.

[0040] (Second embodiment) <Submarine cable system configuration> Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The power supply system according to this embodiment is a power supply system that supplies power to a relay device in a branched submarine cable system. First, the configuration of a submarine cable system into which the power supply system according to this embodiment is introduced will be described in detail.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a submarine cable system according to the second embodiment. The submarine cable system 1002 according to this embodiment connects landing stations with submarine cables and transmits information between the landing stations. The submarine cable system 1002 includes two trunk submarine cables, which are connected by one branch submarine cable.

[0042] The submarine cable system to which the power supply system according to this embodiment can be applied is not limited to one that includes two trunk submarine cables and one branch submarine cable. The power supply system according to this embodiment may be introduced into any submarine cable system that includes at least one trunk submarine cable and one branch submarine cable.

[0043] However, according to the power supply system of this embodiment, it is possible to supply power to the repeater devices on the branch submarine cable without providing a landing station at the end of the branch submarine cable. Therefore, the power supply system according to this embodiment is particularly effective when it is introduced into a submarine cable system such as the submarine cable system 1002 that has branch submarine cables connected at both ends to a trunk submarine cable.

[0044] The submarine cable system 1002 includes branching units 1a and 1b, repeater units 2a and 2b, landing stations 3a to 3d, trunk submarine cables TL1 and TL2, and a branch submarine cable BL.

[0045] Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between the landing stations 3a to 3d, they will be referred to as landing station 3. Furthermore, unless there is a need to distinguish between the trunk submarine cables TL1 and TL2, they will be referred to as trunk submarine cable TL. Furthermore, unless there is a need to distinguish between the branching devices 1a and 1b, they will be referred to as branching device 1, and unless there is a need to distinguish between the repeating devices 2a and 2b, they will be referred to as repeating device 2.

[0046] The landing stations 3 are facilities that connect to either end of the trunk submarine cables TL1 and TL2. In this embodiment, landing stations 3a and 3b are connected to the ends of trunk submarine cable TL1, and landing stations 3c and 3d are connected to the ends of trunk submarine cable TL2.

[0047] The landing station 3 communicates information with other landing stations 3 via the submarine cable. The landing station 3 includes a transmission device for transmitting information and a power supply device for supplying power to the repeater devices on the submarine cable.

[0048] The number of submarine cables extending from one landing station 3 is not limited to one, but two or more submarine cables may extend from one landing station 3. In other words, the landing station 3 may be a facility that relays multiple submarine cables.

[0049] The trunk submarine cable TL is a cable laid on the seabed, connecting two landing stations 3. The trunk submarine cable TL includes a trunk transmission line for transmitting information sent from the landing stations 3, and a trunk power supply line for supplying power to relay devices on the submarine cable.

[0050] A branching device 1 is inserted in the trunk submarine cable TL. The trunk submarine cable TL branches into a branch submarine cable BL by the branching device 1. In other words, the trunk submarine cable TL is connected to the branch submarine cable BL via the branching device 1.

[0051] One or more relay devices (not shown) may be inserted on the trunk submarine cable TL. When a repeater device (not shown) is inserted on the trunk submarine cable TL, the repeater device is typically a device having a function of amplifying signals transmitted by the trunk submarine cable TL, and is supplied with power from a trunk power supply line provided in the trunk submarine cable TL.

[0052] The branch submarine cable BL is a cable laid on the seabed, and is branched from the trunk submarine cable TL by a branching device 1. One end of the branch submarine cable BL branches off from the trunk submarine cable TL1, and the other end of the branch submarine cable BL branches off from the trunk submarine cable TL1. In other words, the branch submarine cable BL connects the trunk submarine cable TL1 and the trunk submarine cable TL2. The branch submarine cable BL includes a branch transmission line for transmitting information and a branch power supply line for supplying power to the relay device 2.

[0053] The branching devices 1 are devices inserted onto the trunk submarine cables TL, and branch off the branch submarine cables BL from the trunk submarine cables TL. In other words, the branching devices 1 are devices that connect the trunk submarine cables TL and the branch submarine cables BL.

[0054] The branching device 1 connects a trunk information transmission line provided in the trunk submarine cable TL with a branch information transmission line provided in the branch submarine cable BL. The branching device 1 may also connect or disconnect the trunk information transmission line and the branch information transmission line based on control from the landing station 3.

[0055] The branching device 1 connects a trunk power feed line provided in the trunk submarine cable TL to a branch power feed line provided in the branch submarine cable BL. The branching device 1 may also connect or disconnect the trunk power feed line and the branch power feed line based on control from the landing station 3, for example. The branching device 1 may connect the branching power feed line to only one of the trunk power feed lines provided in the trunk submarine cables TL1 and TL2.

[0056] The repeater 2 is a device inserted into the branch submarine cable BL. The repeater 2 typically has the function of amplifying signals transmitted by the branch submarine cable BL. For example, when the branch submarine cable transmits information by optical transmission, the repeater 2 amplifies the optical signal that is attenuated as it travels through the branch submarine cable to a predetermined intensity.

[0057] 2 shows two relay devices 2, the number of relay devices 2 provided in this embodiment is not limited to two and may be any number equal to or greater than one. The number of relay devices 2 may be determined based on values ​​such as the attenuation of signals flowing through the branch submarine cable BL and the length of the branch submarine cable BL. The relay device 2 obtains current from a branch power supply line provided in the branch submarine cable BL and receives power.

[0058] <Transmission system configuration> Next, the information transmission system provided in the submarine cable system 1002 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information transmission system according to the second embodiment. In the following description, reference will be made to FIG. 2 as appropriate.

[0059] The information transmission system 1021 is a system for transmitting information between landing stations 3, and transmits information by optical communication, for example. The information transmission system 1021 includes transmission devices 31a to 31d, trunk transmission lines TT1 and TT2, branch transmission lines BT1 and BT2, and switch circuits S11 to S14.

[0060] Hereinafter, the transmission devices 31a to 31d will be referred to as transmission device 31 unless there is a need to distinguish them. Furthermore, the trunk transmission lines TT1 and TT2 will be referred to as trunk transmission line TT unless there is a need to distinguish them, and the branch transmission lines BT1 and BT2 will be referred to as branch transmission line BT unless there is a need to distinguish them. Furthermore, the switch circuits S11 to S14 will be referred to as switch circuit S1 unless there is a need to distinguish them.

[0061] The transmission device 31 is a device provided in the landing station 3, and communicates with other transmission devices 31 via the trunk transmission line TT, or via the trunk transmission line TT and the branch transmission line BT. Typically, the transmission device 31 is an optical communication device that outputs and transmits / receives optical signals, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a device that outputs and transmits / receives electrical signals. In this embodiment, the transmission device 31a and the transmission device 31b are connected by a trunk transmission line TT1, and the transmission device 31c and the transmission device 31d are connected by a trunk transmission line TT2.

[0062] The trunk transmission lines TT1 and TT2 are communication lines provided in the trunk submarine cables TL1 and TL2, respectively. The trunk transmission lines TT are typically optical fibers that transmit optical signals, but are not limited thereto and may be, for example, conductors that transmit electrical signals.

[0063] A branching device 1 is inserted on the trunk transmission line TT. The trunk transmission line TT is connected to a branching transmission line BT within the branching device 1 via a switch circuit S1. Furthermore, a repeater may be inserted on the trunk transmission line TT. When a repeater is inserted on the trunk transmission line TT, the signal transmitted by the trunk transmission line TT is amplified by the repeater.

[0064] The branch transmission line BT is a communication line provided in the branch submarine cable BL. The branch transmission line BT is typically an optical fiber that transmits optical signals, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a conductor that transmits electrical signals.

[0065] At least one end of the branch transmission line BT is connected to the branching device 1. The branch transmission line BT is connected to the trunk transmission line TT within the branching device 1 via a switch circuit S1. In this embodiment, the branch transmission line BT1 connects the trunk transmission line TT1 on the side to which the transmission device 31a is connected and the trunk transmission line TT2 on the side to which the transmission device 31c is connected via a switch circuit S1.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the branch transmission line BT2 connects the trunk transmission line TT1 on the side to which the transmission device 31b is connected and the trunk transmission line TT2 on the side to which the transmission device 31d is connected via the switch circuit S1.

[0067] In this embodiment, both ends of the branching transmission line BT are connected to branching devices 1a and 1b, respectively, but it may also be configured so that only one end is connected to branching device 1 and the other end is connected to transmission device 31.

[0068] A repeater 2 is inserted on the branch transmission line BT, and the signal transmitted by the branch transmission line BT is amplified by the repeater. Although two relay devices 2 are inserted on the branch transmission line BT in this embodiment, the number of relay devices 2 inserted on the branch transmission line BT is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one relay device 2 is inserted.

[0069] The switch circuit S1 is a switch circuit included in the branching device 1, and connects the trunk transmission line TT and the branch transmission line BT. In this embodiment, the switch circuits S11 and S12 are located on the trunk transmission line TT1, and the switch circuits S13 and S14 are located on the trunk transmission line TT2.

[0070] The switch circuit S11 connects the trunk transmission line TT1 and the branch transmission line BT1, and the switch circuit S12 connects the trunk transmission line TT1 and the branch transmission line BT2. Furthermore, the switch circuit S13 connects the trunk transmission line TT2 and the branch transmission line BT1, and the switch circuit S14 connects the trunk transmission line TT2 and the branch transmission line BT2.

[0071] The switch circuit S1 may connect or disconnect the trunk transmission line TT and the branch transmission line BT based on control from a control unit (not shown) of the branching device 1, for example. For example, when the transmission device 31a and the transmission device 31b communicate with each other, the switch circuits S11 and S12 may disconnect the trunk transmission line TT1 from the branch transmission line BT. Furthermore, the switch circuits S13 and S14 may disconnect the trunk transmission line TT2 from the branch transmission line BT when the transmission device 31c and the transmission device 31d communicate with each other. Furthermore, the switch circuit S1 may connect the trunk transmission line TT and the branch transmission line BT when communication is performed between the transmission device 31a and the transmission device 31c, or when communication is performed between the transmission device 31b and the transmission device 31d.

[0072] <Power supply system configuration> Next, the power supply system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system according to the second embodiment.

[0073] The power feeding system 1022 is a power feeding system included in the submarine cable system 1002, and is a power feeding system that feeds power to the repeaters 2 on the branch submarine cables BL branched by the branching devices 1 from the trunk submarine cable BL. The power feeding system 1022 includes power feeding devices 32a to 32d, main power feeding lines TE1 and TE2, a branch power feeding line BE, and switch circuits S21 to S23.

[0074] Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between the power supply devices 32a to 32d, they will be referred to as power supply devices 32. Furthermore, unless there is a need to distinguish between the main power feed lines TE1 and TE2, they will be referred to as the main power feed line TE. Furthermore, unless there is a need to distinguish between the switch circuits S21 to S23, they will be referred to as the switch circuit S2.

[0075] The power supply device 32 is a device provided in the landing station 3 and outputs electric power. The power supply device 32 is connected to the end of the main power supply line TE, and applies a voltage to the end of the main power supply line TE to cause a current to flow through the main power supply line TE. The power supply device 32 is earthed to the seabed.

[0076] In this embodiment, power supply devices 32a and 32b are connected to both ends of the main power supply line TE1, and apply voltages of mutually different signs to the ends of the main power supply line TE1. Also, power supply devices 32c and 32d are connected to both ends of the main power supply line TE2, and apply voltages of mutually different signs to the ends of the main power supply line TE1.

[0077] This configuration reduces the magnitude of the voltage that needs to be applied by each power supply device 32. Furthermore, even if one of the power supply devices 32 connected to both ends of the main power feed line TE fails, the voltage applied by the other power supply device 32 can be increased to allow current to continue flowing through the main power feed line TE.

[0078] The number of power supply devices 32 connected to one main power feed line TE is not limited to two and may be one. That is, the power supply device 32 may be connected to only one end of the main power feed line TE, and the other end may not be connected to a power supply device 32. In this case, the end not connected to the power supply device 32 is earthed to the seabed.

[0079] The trunk power supply line TE is a conductor that carries current to supply power to a repeater (not shown) inserted on the trunk submarine cable, or to a repeater 2 inserted on the branch submarine cable, or to both, and both ends are connected to the power supply device 32. The main power feed line TE does not need to be a single continuous conductor, but may be configured as a virtual path in which a plurality of conductors are connected via a circuit, device, or the like.

[0080] The main power feed line TE receives voltages with opposite signs applied to both ends from the power feeding device 32. A current flows through the main power feed line TE to which the voltage is applied. The main power supply line TE may also supply current to the branching device 1 to supply power.

[0081] A branching device 1a is inserted on the trunk power feed line TE1. The trunk power feed line TE1 is connected to the branching power feed line BE within the branching device 1a. More specifically, the trunk power feed line TE1 is connected to the end of the branching power feed line BE at two different points P1 and P2 on the trunk power feed line TE1 via switch circuits S22 and S23, respectively. The two points P1 and P2 on the main power feed line TE1 are connected via a switch circuit S21.

[0082] When supplying power to the relay device 2, the main power supply line TE1 passes the current flowing from one side of the main power supply line TE1 to the branch power supply line BE, and passes the current flowing from the branch power supply line BE to the main power supply line TE1 to the other side of the main power supply line TE1.

[0083] For example, when power supply device 32a applies a positive voltage to trunk power supply line TE1 and power supply device 32b applies a negative voltage, trunk power supply line TE1 directs current flowing from power supply device 32a toward point P1 to branch power supply line BE via switch circuit S22, and directs current flowing from branch power supply line BE toward point P2 via switch circuit S23 in the direction to which power supply device 32b is connected.

[0084] The main power feed line TE2 is not connected to the branch power feed line BE. In other words, the power feeding system consisting of the power feeding devices 32a and 32b, the main power feed line TE1, and the branch power feed line BE is independent of the power feeding system consisting of the power feeding devices 32c and 32d and the main power feed line TE2. With this configuration, for example, if a failure occurs in one power supply system, the effect of that failure on the other power supply system can be reduced.

[0085] The branch power feed line BE is a conductor for carrying current to be supplied to the relay device 2, and both ends of the branch power feed line BE are connected to two points P1 and P2 on the trunk power feed line TE1 via a switch circuit S2. The branch feed line BE does not need to be a single continuous conductor, but may be configured as a virtual path in which a plurality of conductors are connected via a circuit, device, or the like.

[0086] In addition, the branch power supply line BE may include a multi-cable having a conductor that carries current flowing from one side of the main power supply line TE1 to the relay device 2, and a conductor that carries current flowing from the relay device 2 to the other side of the main power supply line.

[0087] A relay device 2 is inserted on the branch power feed line BE. The branch power feed line BE supplies current to the relay device 2, thereby feeding power thereto. The branch feed line BE extends from the main feed line TE1 in the direction of the relay devices 2, passes through all the relay devices 2 to which the branch feed line BE supplies power, then turns back, passes through the relay devices 2 again, and returns to the main feed line TE1.

[0088] Here, the branch power feed line BE may be folded back inside the last relay device 2 to which the branch power feed line BE supplies power, or may be folded back outside the relay device 2. Furthermore, the power feeding system 1022 may further include a device for folding back the branch power feed line BE, and the branch power feed line BE may be folded back inside the device. For example, in this embodiment, the branch power feed line BE passes through the relay device 2a to reach the relay device 2b, and then turns back inside the relay device 2b.

[0089] When power is supplied to the relay device 2, the branch power supply line BE causes current flowing from one side of the main power supply line TE to flow to the relay device 2, and then turns back and flows the current to the other side of the main power supply line TE. For example, when the power supply device 32a applies a positive voltage to the trunk power supply line TE1 and the power supply device 32b applies a negative voltage, the branch power supply line BE causes the current flowing from the power supply device 32a to the point P1 to flow to the relay device 2. Then, the current turns back inside the relay device 2 and flows from the point P2 to the power supply device 32b.

[0090] The switch circuit S2 is a switch circuit included in the branching device 1. The switch circuit S21 connects or disconnects points P1 and P2 on the trunk power feed line TE1. The switch circuits S22 and S23 connect or disconnect the trunk power feed line TE1 and the branch power feed line BE at points P1 and P2, respectively.

[0091] The switch circuit S21 disconnects points P1 and P2 on the main power feed line TE1 when powering the relay device 2. The switch circuits S22 and S23 connect the main power feed line TE1 and the branch power feed line BE at points P1 and P2, respectively, when powering the relay device 2.

[0092] The switch circuit S21 connects points P1 and P2 on the main power feed line TE1 when not supplying power to the relay device 2. Furthermore, the switch circuits S22 and S23 disconnect the main power feed line TE1 from the branch power feed line BE at points P1 and P2, respectively, when not supplying power to the relay device 2.

[0093] The operation of the switch circuit S2 may be controlled by a control unit (not shown) included in the branching device 1. That is, when power is supplied to a relay device, the branching device 1 may control the switch circuit S2 so that the current flowing from one side of the main power feed line flows to the relay device and the current flowing from the relay device flows to the other side of the main power feed line.

[0094] <Power supply system operation> Next, the operation of the power supply system according to this embodiment, that is, the power supply method according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, reference will continue to be made to FIG.

[0095] When powering the relay device 2, first, the switch circuit S21 disconnects points P1 and P2 on the main power supply line TE1, and the switch circuits S22 and S23 connect the main power supply line TE1 to the branch power supply line BE at points P1 and P2, respectively.

[0096] Next, the power supply devices 32a and 32b output power, with the power supply device 32a applying a positive voltage to one end of the main power supply line TE1 and the power supply device 32b applying a negative voltage to the other end of the main power supply line TE1. The positive and negative signs of the voltages applied by the power supply devices 32a and 32b may be reversed.

[0097] Next, a current flows through the trunk power feed line TE1 and the branch power feed line BE, and the branch power feed line BE supplies the current to the relay device 2, thereby feeding power. However, the current flows from the power supply device 32a to point P1 through the trunk power supply line TE1, then flows to the branch circuit BE via the switch circuit S22, turns back at the relay device 2b, flows to point P2 via the switch circuit S23, and flows from point P2 to the power supply device 32b. The current may be supplied to the relay device 2 before being turned back, or may be supplied to the relay device 2 after being turned back.

[0098] As described above, the power supply system according to this embodiment supplies power to the repeater devices inserted on the branch submarine cables via the branch power supply line connected to the trunk power supply line. Since the power supplied to the relay device is output by a power supply device connected to the main power supply line, in the power supply system of this embodiment, there is no need for the branch power supply line to be directly connected to the power supply device. That is, the power supply system according to this embodiment can simplify the equipment for supplying power to the relay devices on the branched submarine cables. Furthermore, the power feeding system according to this embodiment eliminates the need to provide a landing station at the end of the branch submarine cable, and therefore allows two trunk submarine cables to be connected by the branch submarine cable.

[0099] The present disclosure has been described above in accordance with the above-described embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and naturally includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that a person skilled in the art could make within the scope of the claims of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1, 1a, 1b Branching device 2, 2a, 2b Relay device 3, 3a-3d Landing Station 1001, 1022 Power Supply System 1002 Submarine Cable System 1021 Transmission System TL1, TL2 trunk submarine cables BL branch submarine cable TT1, TT2 trunk transmission lines BT1, BT2 branch transmission line TE, TE1, TE2 Main feed line BE branch power supply line S11~S14, S21~S23 switch circuits

Claims

1. A power supply system for supplying power to a repeater on a branch submarine cable branched from a trunk submarine cable by a branching device, power is supplied to the repeater device through a branch power supply line connected to a trunk power supply line provided in the trunk submarine cable; when supplying power to a repeater on the branch submarine cable, the branch power feed line causes a current flowing from one side of the trunk power feed line to flow to the repeater, and then turns back and flows to the other side of the trunk power feed line; The branch submarine cable is connected to two trunk submarine cables, the branch power feed line is connected only to the trunk power feed line provided in one of the trunk submarine cables; Power supply system.

2. the branching device is provided with a switch circuit that connects the trunk power feed line and the branching power feed line when power is supplied to a repeater device on the branching submarine cable; The power supply system according to claim 1 .

3. the switch circuit disconnects the trunk power feed line and the branch power feed line when the switch circuit does not supply power to the repeater device on the branch submarine cable. The power supply system according to claim 2 .

4. the branch power feed line includes a multi-cable including a conductor for carrying a current flowing from one side of the trunk power feed line to a repeater on the branch submarine cable, and a conductor for carrying a current flowing from the repeater on the branch submarine cable to the other side of the trunk power feed line, The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the branching power supply line is folded back inside a repeater device on the branching submarine cable. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A power supply method for supplying power to a repeater on a branch submarine cable branched from a trunk submarine cable by a branching device, comprising: supplying power to the repeater device through a branch power feed line connected to a trunk power feed line provided in the trunk submarine cable; when the branch power feed line supplies power to a repeater device on the branch submarine cable, the current flowing from one side of the trunk power feed line is passed to the repeater device, and then turned back and passed to the other side of the trunk power feed line, the branch submarine cable is configured to be connected to two trunk submarine cables; the branch power feed line is configured to be connected only to the trunk power feed line provided in one of the trunk submarine cables; Power supply method.

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