Seabed MVDC Converter Redundancy for Heat-Driven Module Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The seabed medium-voltage direct-current converter in seabed observation networks faces high failure probability due to heat dissipation issues, leading to power interruptions that affect critical services like marine scientific research and disaster prevention, with existing fault tolerance solutions being inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A fault tolerance method using a redundant topological structure with cascaded redundant switching structures and resonant conversion modules, where a controller adjusts switch states and performs fault diagnosis to identify and replace faulty modules with redundant ones, ensuring continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a tightly sealed and compact deep-sea junction box is used, then the converter meets space and sealing requirements, but heat dissipation performance deteriorates leading to increased failure probability
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple independent modular units (first converter module, second converter module, third converter module), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows better thermal management within each module while maintaining overall system functionality even when one module fails due to heat-related issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Redundant converter modules are pre-configured in the system before any failure occurs. When a fault is detected in one module, the system can immediately switch to a standby module without waiting for repair, thus preliminarily preparing for heat-induced failures and maintaining continuous operation.
2Reliability
If conventional fault tolerance solutions are used, then some basic protection is provided, but they are inadequate for deep-sea converter reliability requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple converter modules are merged into a single integrated system with shared control and coordination. The modules work together as a unified fault-tolerant system, combining their capabilities to achieve higher reliability than individual modules could provide alone, while the control mechanism coordinates them efficiently without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously detects the operational status of each module and automatically switches between modules based on detected faults. This feedback-driven approach provides intelligent fault tolerance without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control systems.
3Reliability
If converter modules fail, then power supply interruption occurs affecting critical services, but implementing comprehensive redundancy increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The redundancy is implemented locally at the module level rather than requiring complete system redundancy. Each converter module is designed as a self-contained unit with its own switching capability, allowing localized fault isolation and recovery. This local quality approach ensures power continuity without duplicating the entire complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational configuration based on real-time module status. When a module fails, the controller dynamically reconfigures the system to activate standby modules and redistribute power flow. This dynamic adaptability provides robust power supply continuity without requiring static over-engineering of the redundant structure.
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
This method enhances the safety and reliability of seabed observation networks by reducing downtime and maintenance costs through rapid fault identification and seamless power continuity using redundant modules.
Implementation Method 1
output end of each redundant switching structure is connected to an input end of a resonant conversion module corresponding to the redundant switching structure
Data Source
AI summary
A fault tolerance method based on a seabed medium-voltage direct-current converter, and a redundant topological structure are provided. The method controls and adjusts working states of resonant conversion modules and switch states of redundant switching structures connected to the resonant conversion modules, to supply power to a load; and in the process of supplying power to the load, obtains fault diagnosis results for the resonant conversion modules. Based on the fault diagnosis results, that a faulty module exists in the resonant conversion modules, the faulty module is removed. After the faulty module is removed, a redundant resonant conversion module is determined, and the working state of the redundant resonant conversion module and the switch state of the redundant switching structure connected to the redundant resonant conversion module are adjusted, wherein the redundant resonant conversion module is configured to replace the faulty module.