Power supply control of the OBSEA seafloor observatory

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the design and construction process of the power supply needed for a remote data acquisition system. It is based on twelve AC to DC switching converters in a serial connection and a logic programmable controller (PLC). The energy is transmitted to the acquisition system, which is located several kilometers away, by means of a cable. The supply system has been designed with a higher capacity than the current requirements of the subsea station and the controller decides constantly the best configuration required at each moment.