Underwater Branching Power Supply for Long-Distance Multi-Node Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems for submarine observation networks face challenges in providing stable and reliable power to long-distance and multi-node systems, with constant-voltage mode causing complex designs and noise interference, and constant-current mode being limited by cable losses and unsuitable for large devices.
Innovation Solution
A long-distance underwater power supply system using a terminal power supply connected to branching nodes via a trunk cable, which outputs a constant current that is converted to a constant-voltage current at branching nodes, with current return through ocean grounding, reducing cable usage and enhancing stability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant-voltage mode is used for power supply, then power can be supplied to devices, but the design becomes complex and noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply into multiple independent nodes along the trunk cable, with each node having its own constant-voltage conversion capability. This segmentation allows each node to operate independently, reducing the impact of faults on the entire system and simplifying the overall design by distributing complexity across multiple simple units rather than one complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism at each power supply node that converts constant current from the trunk cable into constant voltage locally. This intermediary conversion eliminates the need for complex centralized high-voltage power supply design and reduces noise interference by performing conversion at multiple distributed points rather than transmitting high voltage over the entire distance.
2Device complexity
If constant-current mode is used for power supply, then power supply design is simplified, but cable losses limit the distance and power capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the long-distance power transmission into multiple shorter sections, with constant-voltage conversion nodes distributed along the trunk cable. Each segment handles only the power requirements of its local node, significantly reducing the cumulative cable losses that would occur in a single long-distance constant-current transmission. The segmentation transforms one long lossy path into multiple short low-loss paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters along the transmission path by converting from constant-current mode (suitable for long-distance transmission) to constant-voltage mode (suitable for local device powering) at distributed nodes. This parameter transformation allows the system to leverage the advantages of both modes: using constant current for efficient long-distance trunk cable transmission and constant voltage for effective local device power supply with minimal losses.
3Power
If high voltage is used for long-distance power supply, then power transmission capability increases, but noise and interference to lower-level devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary constant-voltage conversion nodes that act as isolators between the high-voltage transmission medium and the low-voltage devices. These intermediaries convert the high-voltage constant current from the trunk cable into appropriate constant voltage levels for local devices, thereby blocking the transmission of noise and interference from the high-voltage line to the sensitive lower-level devices while maintaining power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the power supply system into multiple independent nodes with local conversion capabilities, the patent confines noise and interference to localized areas rather than allowing them to propagate throughout the entire system. Each segment handles its own power conversion and isolation, preventing harmful electromagnetic interference from affecting devices at other segments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If centralized high-voltage power supply is used, then power can be supplied to multiple devices, but a fault affects all served devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power supply into multiple distributed nodes, each capable of independent constant-voltage conversion. This segmentation creates electrical isolation between nodes, so that a fault at one node does not propagate to other nodes. Each node can continue to serve its local devices independently, maintaining system reliability while preserving multi-device power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local power conversion quality at each node, where each node independently converts constant current to constant voltage according to its local requirements. This local quality control ensures that each node operates independently with its own power characteristics, preventing faults from spreading and allowing the system to maintain adaptability for serving multiple devices with different power requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the field of underwater power supply technologies, and provides a long-distance underwater power supply system that is applied to a submarine observation system including a plurality of load nodes. The power supply system includes at least one terminal power supply and a plurality of branching nodes. The terminal power supply is sequentially electrically connected to the plurality of branching nodes through a trunk cable, and may output a constant current to the trunk cable. The plurality of branching nodes are respectively connected to at least one corresponding load node, and each of the branching nodes and the corresponding load node are connected to an ocean ground, respectively. The branching node may convert the constant current transmitted from the trunk cable into a constant-voltage current, and output the constant-voltage current to the load node.