Variable Voltage Optical Repeater Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems face challenges in efficiently powering repeaters, especially in subsea networks, due to the need for significant voltage drops across long cables, leading to excessive power consumption and potential system constraints.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical repeater with a variable voltage power supply system, utilizing an adjustable shunt regulator and feedback loop to dynamically adjust voltage based on operating parameters, such as current, temperature, and output power, to match power consumption more closely with actual requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed voltage is applied to the cable to power repeaters, then the repeaters can operate under worst-case conditions, but excessive voltage is wasted when conditions are better, increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable voltage regulator that dynamically adjusts the voltage supplied to repeaters based on real-time monitoring of operating conditions such as water temperature, pump laser performance, and ambient light levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide maximum voltage only when necessary (under worst-case conditions) and reduce voltage when conditions improve, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to a fixed voltage approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor repeater operating parameters including pump laser current requirements, water temperature, and ambient light conditions. This feedback information is used by the voltage regulator to adjust the supplied voltage in real-time, ensuring that repeaters receive exactly the voltage needed for their current operating conditions, thus avoiding both over-voltage waste and under-voltage malfunction.
2Length of stationary object
If the voltage applied to the cable is increased to overcome cable resistance in long subsea systems, then sufficient voltage can reach distant repeaters, but the maximum voltage limit of 15 kV is approached, constraining system capacity and unregenerated length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic voltage adjustment along the cable length, where the voltage regulator increases voltage only in segments where cable resistance causes significant drops, rather than applying maximum voltage throughout the entire cable. This dynamic approach allows the system to extend to longer distances by providing voltage boosts only where and when needed, effectively utilizing the 15 kV limit more efficiently across the entire cable length.
3Power
If a minimum current is maintained in the cable to provide power to repeaters, then power delivery is ensured, but significant voltage is dropped across the cable due to resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable into multiple segments with individual voltage regulation at each repeater location. Each segment's voltage is independently adjusted based on local conditions and power requirements, allowing the system to maintain minimum current for power delivery while minimizing voltage drops in each individual segment. This segmentation approach prevents the cumulative voltage drop that would occur in a single long cable segment.
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 approach reduces power consumption, enhances system performance, reliability, and extends the reach of subsea communication systems by minimizing the maximum voltage applied to cables, while maintaining efficient operation across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A typical subsea cable may include a conductor with a resistance of around 1 ohm/km. A minimum current is necessary in the cable in order to provide the required power to the repeaters. A significant amount of voltage will be dropped in such a cable
Implementation Method 2
The adjustable shunt regulator may further comprise a feedback loop, the feedback loop configured to be responsive to the voltage across the electronics and to control the gate voltage of the shunt transistor
Data Source
AI summary
An optical repeater is disclosed, comprising: an optical input port for receiving an input optical signal; an optical output port for transmitting an output optical signal; electronics comprising an amplifier configured to increase a signal level of the optical signal between the input port and the output port; a voltage regulator configured to provide a variable voltage power supply to the electronics, and optionally comprising a local or external controller configured to determine a supply voltage in response to demand and to control the voltage regulator to provide the supply voltage.