An additional challenge that these braking resistors face is insulation resistance. As the DC braking voltage of the unit cannot be connected to the vessel, it is not possible to use any of the re-generative capacities of a motor to power the ship. This means that a large resistor is required to dissipate all of the braking energy, as none of it can be fed back into the system.
To combat these challenges and manage excess braking energy onboard cable layers, engineers need to turn to a rugged solution. Most ships have a chilled water system, making it straightforward to incorporate resistors into the cable laying infrastructure.
However, if the end users chooses to cool the resistor using sea water, they would require a different solution. In this case, titanium-sheathed elements in high grade stainless-steel vessels are preferred as they are able to withstand constant harsh environments. This means that the resistor’s voltage capabilities and its durable materials can safely dissipate all of the excess heat created during cable laying braking to make sure the operation is carried out without causing harm to other components on the ship.
Underwater cables are the invisible force driving the internet. These cables are a critical part of modern infrastructure and making sure they reach the ocean floor without any problems is an important task. To successfully manage the frequent braking that is required during this process, a durable and capable resistor should always be found onboard. Microhm Electronics provides various options for customer's options.
