Introduced in 2005, the concept of submerged data centers emerged, and since then, a number of experiments have become a reality in the market. This technology requires specific care in selecting switching power components and construction practices very similar to those required by the marine industry. "Submerged data centers are becoming more widespread, and a number of embedded industrial applications have adopted submerged computers that require compatible power supplies," said Martin Fredmark, VP of Product Management at Powerbox. "The technology platform developed for the Marine PT578 employs the same components and design rules as submerged power supplies." Our Custom Power Solution group has qualified these supplies as part of the PRBX technology platform, shortening the time to market for embedded submerged industrial computers and similar applications.
The requirements imposed on products responsible for marine shipping and offshore installations are higher than the average industrial and office environment, forcing power designers to adhere to strict design standards and select components and technologies that comply with international regulations. The limits of mechanical and climatic requirements are also more demanding than in typical industrial applications. Vibration levels up to 4g are common, as are large temperature fluctuations from -25°C to +70°C and high relative humidity where condensation cannot be ruled out. The new product, PT578, integrates the latest power technologies specifically for the marine industry, offering a unique combination of electrical and mechanical performance.
To ensure the highest level of safety, marine power architectures and submerged computing designs often require redundant power sources. This is typically achieved by connecting multiple power supplies in parallel, linked together by modules of External ORing diodes. To simplify installation and use, the PT578 has integrated circuits that allow the user to select whether the power unit will be used in "Single Mode" or "Parallel mode with droop current sharing," which also reduces the number of units to be stocked and the space used in the power rack.
Depending on the application, the output protection may require a different configuration (Switch off, Hiccup mode, or constant current), which is one of the features included in the PT578. Based on the firmware-defined profiles and the output protection, the operating mode can be selected via a DIP switch with factory default settings. However, if required, any of the profiles can be reconfigured at one of our PRBX configuration centers. The unit also includes a DC OK signal and a potential-free relay contact for fault protection. A front LED indicates the power unit's status (OK or Fault).
When Constant Current mode is selected, the PT578 It behaves like a current generator and is suitable for high capacitive loads, driving DC motors, and is an ideal solution for charging a second level of battery backup for critical equipment such as navigation systems.
The PT578 will operate with a wide AC input voltage of 90 to 265 VAC and a DC bus voltage of 125 to 375 VDC. The AC input frequency is 47-63 Hz, and for naval and air transport, 440 Hz with reduced PFC. The PT578 covers a wide range of marine applications, from sea to air, and is specified to operate up to 10,000 feet and up to 30,000 feet in non-operating conditions.
Two versions with adjustable output voltages are available as standard: 24 VDC (23 to 29 VDC) and 48 VDC (47-56 VDC), with an output power of 500 W and a peak power of up to 750 W for 10 seconds.
Designed for Meeting international marine requirements, the PT578 complies with the vibration specifications in DNV-GL 7: High Voltage Vibration, Class B, ±1.6mm displacement, 2-25Hz, 4g; 25-100Hz (1 octave/min). Protected by a tropicalized coating, the PT578 operates in humid environments up to 100%, with condensation at all relevant temperatures, and meets IEC60947-2 2kV, 60s. The product has 3000VAC input-to-output isolation and 2000VAC input-to-chassis isolation.
Utilizing high-density integrated construction, the PT578 is housed in a 132 x 67 x 128 mm cassette-type enclosure (excluding the DIN rail mounting device), making it one of the most compact 500W power supplies in its class, saving critical power shelf space for more efficient installation. Functions per rail.
The PT578 also complies with the related chapters of EN61000-3 and -4, EMC emissions EN60945 conducted and radiated, Conducted LF IEC60533 3VRMS, 50Hz-12kHz, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and DNV-GL. Temperature class D, -25 - +55°C; Humidity class B, up to 100%, condensation; Vibration class B, ±1.6mm. Pending at the time of publication.
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