Abstract:
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Multidisciplinary underwater observatories represent
an exceptional technological resource that can signify a
qualitative forward step in marine scientific research as well as
operational oceanography and climate change study. A cabled underwater
observatory system that can provide broad bandwidth
communication and power to oceanographic instruments is developed.
The observatory consists of a subsea junction box that is
fixed at a cable terminal, enabling real-time communication, power
conversion, and power distribution of up to eight oceanographic
instruments and one connection for a junction box. Therefore, the
observatory has the capacity to cover a large range of distance–
time observations, and to provide new opportunities for research
and technological innovation. However, there are some issues to
consider when designing the electronic system for the underwater
observatory. The main concern is the location of the equipment in a
hostile environment with difficult access for inspection and repair.
Hence, appropriate heat management of the electronic apparatus
has a significant influence on the useful life of this equipment. Specific
validation and study of the behavior of the system prior the
deployment, and permanent equipment status monitoring is essential
to assure fault-free operation over the longest possible period
of time. In this study, we present the thermal studies carried out
on the junction box of the Observatorio Submarino Expandible
Cableado (OBSEA) (expandable underwater cabled observatory)
and the monitoring procedures are established. The underwater
observatory has been deployed off the coast of the Balearic Sea
and has been operating in real conditions for more than three
years without interruption. The results show that this underwater
observatory system is adequate for subsea real-time and long-term
observations |