Oil Filled Electrical Cables External to the Pressure Hull on DSV ALVIN

The technology of oil filled cable systems is reviewed as a feasible approach to electric cable systems for deep ocean use. Existing technology is adequate for shallow depths but as this technology is applied to the deep ocean, cost and reliability suffer. The framework of classical cable technology as outlined in the Naval Ship Research Development Laboratory Handbook is applied to the oil filled system used on ALVIN to provide a comparison to non-oil filled performance. Cable design considerations that resulted in the choice of systems components for ALVIN are presented. The constraints on oil filled cable systems are reviewed including material compatibility, pressure head in air and water, and system servicing. The ALVIN oil-compensated system configuration is described as well as the component parts.