CONTACTLESS POWER DELIVERY SYSTEM

摘要

A contactless power transfer system (30, 30", 150, 300, 400), especially for powering underwater electric loads (34, 34', 34", 306, 314, 315, 316, 434), including movable loads, such as underwater vehicles (308, 310), elevators (173), or worksite equipement (34", 306). A converter (38, 174, 177, 338, 432) supplies high frequency power to a conductor loop (40, 165, 175, 340, 440). A coupling sheath or link (50, 50", 150, 350, 450) has a core-mounted conductor (60, 160, 460) at least partially surrounded by a magnetic core (52, 452) which slidably receives a portion of the conductor loop within the link. An optional secondary converter (44, 175, 177, 344) converts power from the core-mounted conductor to meet the load requirements. A contactless power distribution system is also submersible to deliver power to underwater loads through clamped-on or captive links attached at any location along the conductor loop. Methods are also provided of powering loads, including those submersed in water, including seawater, or other non-magnetic liquid mediums.