An electric power conversion system for subsea power distribution has been developed by Diversified Technologies, Inc. as a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research project for the U.S. Navy.
The PowerMod Subsea MVDC power distribution system features pressurized power conversion modules
Permitting grid or loop configurations with multiple power sources, the power distribution system is ideal for charging unmanned undersea vehicles and other applications. Source: Diversified Technologies, Inc. that measure 18 inches (457.2 mm) in diameter and operate at depths down to 3,500 m. Allowing the transmission of up to 1 MW at medium voltages over thousands of kilometers, this bi-directional system converts 10 kV DC to 375 V DC directly at the seafloor.
The system permits grid or loop configurations with multiple power sources and is engineered for charging unmanned undersea vehicles and other applications. It can be powered from high voltage onshore generators or from undersea sources such as hydro-thermal or wave power generators at 375 V, with their voltage up-converted to 10 kV. Modules provide a 90% probability of operation for 25 years.
Solid-state switches are built from a series stack of insulated-gate bipolar transistors configured for very high voltage standoff and operated as a single switch. Highly synchronized gate drives ensure the load on the switch is shared equally between devices. The entire switch can be closed or opened in less than a microsecond, safely disconnecting the load in the event of an arc. Each switch is fully isolated from ground, and can open without damage under fault currents up to 20 kA.
Switch modules and plates are controlled with a simple magnetically coupled loop and are easy to operate in floating high voltage circuits. The entire switch can float at over 200 kV where required. Switches require no ancillary high voltage power and operate fully on or fully off, greatly easing high voltage management when compared to conventional floating decks.
