Current Source Power System Redundancy for Underwater Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current source power systems used in underwater applications are vulnerable to failure, as any load interruption disables the entire system due to series connections of feeding cables and loads, which is not addressed effectively by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A regulated current-fed power system with power branching units connected in series, featuring parallel-redundant converter groups and active clamps that ensure uninterrupted current flow by disconnecting faulty converters and redistributing power load, and an emergency power source for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If series connections of feeding cables and loads are used in underwater power systems, then the system can extend to thousands of miles with multiple loads, but any load failure that interrupts the current disables the whole system
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple power branching units connected in series, where each unit contains parallel-redundant converter groups. This segmentation allows the system to maintain operation in one segment even when another segment fails, resolving the contradiction between long-distance extension and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Parallel-redundant converter groups are configured in advance within each power branching unit, creating backup conversion paths before failures occur. When a converter fails, the redundant converter immediately takes over, preventing system shutdown and maintaining reliability across the extended underwater distance.
2Reliability
If parallel-redundant converter groups are used with protection devices and active clamps, then system reliability is improved against converter failures, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Active clamps are introduced as intermediary components that automatically detect converter failures and redirect current flow. These clamps act as mediators between the parallel-redundant converter groups and the load, simplifying the control logic while maintaining high reliability against converter failures.
Solution Approach 2:
Protection devices and active clamps implement feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor converter status and automatically adjust current distribution. This feedback control enables the system to respond to failures without complex manual intervention, improving reliability while keeping the control architecture manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A regulated current-fed power system employs power branching units connected in series. Each power branching unit includes a plurality of parallel-redundant converter groups connected in series with each other within a current path for the regulated current. Each parallel-redundant converter group includes at least two direct current (DC)/DC converters connected in parallel with each other, each sharing the power load. A protection device connected in series with each DC/DC converter disconnects the respective DC/DC converter from the regulated current when the respective DC/DC converter short circuits, with the remaining DC/DC converter(s) then receiving more of the power load. An active clamp connected in parallel with all of the DC/DC converters within a parallel-redundant converter group temporarily sinks a portion of the regulated current when one of the DC/DC converters fails in a short-circuit condition. The active clamp shunts the regulated current around all DC/DC converters within the parallel-redundant converter group converters fail in a short-circuit condition.