Constant Current Supply Device for Submarine Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
In submarine cable systems, it is challenging to maintain a constant current supply when power consumption in observation equipment varies rapidly, making it difficult to perform high-speed power-source on/off control and operation settings.
Innovation Solution
A constant current supply device and system that includes a voltage acquisition means, conversion means, and control means to manage the drive current flowing through driven elements and current control elements, allowing for real-time adjustment of the drive current magnitude in response to control commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Zener diode is used to absorb power consumption variations in observation equipment, then the constant current supply is maintained, but the response speed to rapid power consumption variations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power consumption absorption function into two parts: the Zener diode handles steady-state power variations, while the switching circuit handles dynamic, rapid power consumption changes. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between stability and response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic switching circuit that can rapidly adjust its switching state in response to power consumption variations, complementing the static Zener diode. This dynamic element provides the fast response capability needed for rapid power consumption changes while the Zener diode maintains overall constant current stability.
2Length of moving object
If the total length of submarine cable system is extended to cover long distances, then the coverage area is increased, but the ability to supply constant voltage to undersea equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to supply constant voltage from land over long distances (which deteriorates with cable length), the patent inverts the approach by supplying constant current from land and converting it to constant voltage at the undersea equipment. This inversion resolves the problem by moving the voltage regulation function to the point of use, where cable length effects are compensated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the supply parameter from constant voltage to constant current for long-distance submarine cables. By supplying constant current instead of constant voltage, the system can maintain reliable power delivery over extended cable lengths, and the constant voltage is then derived locally through the switching circuit and Zener diode combination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the supply of a necessary power source to driven elements even during high-speed control operations, maintaining a constant current supply scheme and ensuring efficient operation of submarine equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the Zener diode 940 is disposed in parallel to the observation equipment circuit 960 to absorb a variation portion of power consumption in the observation equipment circuit 960
Implementation Method 2
radiates the absorbed power as heat into seawater through the heat sink 950
Implementation Method 3
radiates the absorbed power as heat into seawater through the heat sink 950
Data Source
AI summary
In order to supply drive elements with necessary power supply while maintaining a constant current power supply system even in a case where ON/OFF control of a power source or various operation settings of the drive elements are executed at high speed, a constant current supply device 10 is provided with: a constant voltage acquisition means 20 for extracting a constant voltage from a supplied constant current; a conversion means 30 for converting the extracted constant voltage to a drive current of a desired size and outputting same; and a control means 60 for controlling the size of the drive current flowing to a current control element 5k according to control content of n-sets of drive elements 41-4n, current control elements 51-5n, and a drive element 4k, which are connected in parallel to each other, and into which the drive current is inputted.