An Analysis of Sub Sea Electric Power Transmission Techniques from DC to AC 50/60 Hz and Beyond

In the past decade, the significant improvements in high speed, high voltage transistor technology enabled the design of more sophisticated sub sea electrical power transmission systems. This is the case of the power-electronics-based single wire DC and high frequency AC transmission systems that appeared as alternatives to the traditional three phase transmission systems. Although such advanced alternatives have been employed on a scenario basis, no thorough study comparing these different options has been carried out. This paper aims to examine 50/60 Hz AC, DC and high frequency AC electrical transmission systems regarding their technical and financial advantages and drawbacks, through steady-state and transient analysis of a 10 km, 100 kVA ROV.