Seafloor Observatory Primary Node Constant Current Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Seafloor Observatory Network systems face challenges with constant voltage power supply methods, including weak resistance against submarine cable faults, high maintenance costs, and discontinuity in observation data due to frequent short-circuit faults, which are exacerbated by the need for dual-conductor submarine cables that struggle with high voltage and have low reliability.
Innovation Solution
A primary node design based on constant current power supply with integrated branch isolation modules and redundancy backup systems, allowing for continuous operation and fault isolation without dual-conductor submarine cables, using a 10 kV-level voltage power supply and overvoltage/surge suppression units to ensure reliable and uninterrupted data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant voltage parallel connection power supply method is used, then each primary node can be independently powered, but the system has weak resistance against submarine cable faults and high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply into multiple independent constant current sources, each serving a specific section of the submarine cable. This segmentation allows fault isolation to adjacent sections, preventing single fault from paralyzing the entire system while maintaining independent power supply capability to each primary node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shore-based power supply stations as intermediary nodes that actively monitor cable health and dynamically adjust power distribution. These intermediaries detect insulation degradation early and reconfigure power paths before complete failure occurs, enhancing system reliability without sacrificing operational independence.
2Power
If dual-conductor submarine cables are used for constant voltage power supply, then power can be transmitted to primary nodes, but the cables struggle with high voltage and have low reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using dual-conductor cables with both conductors carrying high voltage (which creates insulation challenges), the patent inverts the approach by using single-conductor cables where only one conductor carries high voltage relative to seawater ground. This eliminates the need for high-voltage insulation between conductors, allowing reliable operation at higher voltages while maintaining power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage reference parameter from conductor-to-conductor to conductor-to-seawater-ground. This parameter change allows the use of simpler single-conductor cables that can withstand higher voltages without the insulation constraints of dual-conductor designs, thereby improving reliability while maintaining power transmission.
3Reliability
If constant current series connection power supply method is used, then the system has natural ability to resist short-circuit faults, but the working voltage of primary nodes and submarine cables at the back end is gradually reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic voltage adjustment at shore-based power supply stations to compensate for the gradual voltage reduction in series constant current systems. By actively monitoring and adjusting the voltage at each segment, the system maintains adequate power delivery to all primary nodes while preserving the inherent fault resistance of constant current architecture.
4Reliability
If branch unit is used for fault isolation in constant voltage power supply, then fault isolation can be achieved, but the system needs to be completely shut down and operation can be resumed only after completing fault isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary fault detection and isolation preparation through continuous monitoring of cable insulation and power parameters. When faults are detected, the system has pre-configured alternative power paths ready, enabling rapid switching without complete shutdown and maintaining observation data continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant power supply paths and dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow the system to maintain continuous operation during fault isolation. By switching to alternative paths or adjusting power distribution in real-time, the useful action of observing and data collection continues without interruption while faults are being isolated.
Data Source
AI summary
A primary node of a seafloor observatory network based on constant current power supply is provided. The primary node is connected in series to a submarine cable of a backbone network. The primary node is connected to a shore station and an adjacent primary node by submarine cable terminal boxes, respectively. The primary node includes an underwater power supply and a communication control module. The underwater power supply is used for converting constant current power provided by the shore station into power for the primary node and some backup power, and outputting direct-current constant voltage power for the communication control module, and is further used for controlling the primary node to access and exit from the network. The communication control module is used for monitoring the internal state of the primary node by control system backup, and sending the state information and data to the shore station.