Design and Development of High Voltage DC Power Supply for Remotely Operated Vehicle Applications

This research is dedicated to the design and development of a specialised high voltage DC (HVDC) power supply tailored for Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) applications, placing a specific emphasis on undersea drilling environments. Traditional HVDC systems for ROV drilling applications are characterised by large size, high costs, and low efficiency, often necessitating extensive components such as large transformers, 12 to 48 pulse rectifiers, and meticulous attention to thermal management. In response to these challenges, our study proposes a power supply system that integrates a 6-pulse rectifier and a Multilevel Boost Converter (MBC). The primary objective is to deliver a compact and integrated power supply solution that optimizes power conversion efficiency and fulfils the unique requirements of ROVs operating at 5000 V. Simulation results conducted through PLECS software validate the functionality of the proposed system. The outcomes demonstrate its capacity to generate a high-amplitude DC voltage with minimal ripples, positioning it as a viable and efficient solution for ROV applications. The efficiency considerations indicate the potential for achieving efficiency levels exceeding 95% at high loads, marking a significant improvement compared to conventional HVDC systems. This research contributes to advancing power supply solutions for ROVs, addressing challenges associated with size, cost, and efficiency in undersea drilling environments.