Multi-node Power Feed Branching Units for Subsea Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea optical communication systems face limitations in power delivery due to voltage and current constraints, which restrict the transmission capacity and require excessive power for increasing bandwidth, leading to high costs and complex re-architecting of existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-node network with power feed branching units (PFBUs) that form a DC grid, enabling bi-directional power distribution and a shared power scheme, allowing the trunk path to span longer distances while maintaining nominal power and reducing system costs through redundancy and efficient power regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power delivery voltage and current are increased to expand optical bandwidth and transmission capacity, then transmission capacity is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the single-point power delivery architecture into a distributed mesh network of power feed branching units (PFBUs) interconnected through optical fiber. Each PFBU independently manages power for local components, eliminating the need for high voltage/current over long distances while maintaining expanded transmission capacity through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fiber serves as an intermediary medium to carry power signals between PFBUs and subsea components. This allows power delivery without requiring high electrical voltage and current through the traditional cable infrastructure, thereby expanding capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If power delivery distance is extended to span larger bodies of water, then coverage area is improved, but power delivery capability deteriorates due to voltage and current constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The long-distance power delivery path is segmented into multiple shorter segments, each managed by individual PFBUs. These units are distributed along the cable route and interconnected via optical fiber, allowing each segment to operate within practical voltage and current limits while collectively spanning large bodies of water.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional linear power delivery through the cable to a two-dimensional mesh network topology. PFBUs are positioned at multiple points along the cable and interconnected via optical fiber, creating redundant power paths that enable extended coverage without compromising power delivery capability at any single location.
3Power
If existing systems are re-architected to increase power delivery capability, then power delivery capability is improved, but implementation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
PFBUs are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can be deployed at various locations along the cable route. Each unit performs multiple functions: local power distribution, optical signal processing, and mesh network communication. This modularity simplifies deployment and reduces implementation difficulty compared to customizing entire system architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses identical replicated PBU units throughout the network rather than custom-designed components. Each PFBU is a copy of the standardized design, simplifying manufacturing, deployment, and maintenance. This replication strategy increases power delivery capability through数量 rather than through complex individual component design.
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
The solution enables longer subsea optical communication system spans without increasing system voltage and current, reducing costs and complexity, and allows for higher available power for optical amplification while maintaining redundancy and fault tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-node network with power feed branching units (PFBUs) that form a DC grid, enabling bi-directional power distribution and a shared power scheme
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, a branching configuration used in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication system, consistent with the present disclosure, includes a power feed branching unit (PFBU) (118-3) having a multi-port DC/DC converter (DDCM) arrangement (501/518) capable of a plurality of operating modes to distribute power in a bi- directional manner. The DDCM arrangement (501/518) may include a plurality of ports (626- 1, 626-2, 626-3) for electrically coupling to one or more trunk path cable segments (114-3, 114-4) and for electrically coupling to a branch cable segment (113). A plurality of PFBUs (118-3, 118-4, 118-5, 118-6) may be disposed along a trunk path (112), with each PFBU powering an associated branch path, without each branch path necessarily having local power feed equipment (PFE). In instances where a branch path includes a local PFE (190), an associated PFBU may draw power from the branch path in order to make power available to the trunk path as needed.