Skip to main content

Robotics solutions and case studies

Low weight, low noise solution

Case study: Sewer inspection robot

case study image

Power more sensors without increasing weight

Power more sensors without increasing weight

Improved sensors, autonomy, mobility and AI (allowing deep learning) is enabling inspection robots to replace humans, especially in hazardous or confined areas like inside pipelines or in storage tanks. Manufacturers are looking for smaller, more robust solutions with ever improved resolution, repeatability and operating range. This manufacturer of tethered sewer inspection robots was looking to improve the sensor resolution and quality of video images without increasing the size of the platform. The key goals were:

  • Allow easier handling and room for more sensors by reducing power supply size and weight
  • Minimize interference with cable carrying video feed
  • Reliable operation in a harsh environment

High efficiency in all environments

High efficiency in all environments

The 48V (SELV) supply to the tether was provided by a PFM AC-DC converter.  On board the robot the three rails were provided by three individual regulators. Key benefits were:

  • ZVS buck and buck-boost regulators offered high power density and low weight (0.8g)
  • Low noise ZVS topology minimized filtering required
  • High efficiency (up to 92.5%) reduced heat, increasing reliability in high ambient temperatures

Vicor ZVS Buck and Buck-Boost regulators reduced the size of the solution

The power delivery network: The 48V tether supply was provided by a PFM AC-DC converter. At the robot the low power 5V and 3.3V rails were provided by ZVS Buck regulators. The higher power 12V motor supply rail was provided by an array of three ZVS Buck-Boost converters that compensated for large voltage drops in the 600m tether. To analyze this power chain go to the Vicor Whiteboard online tool.

Learn more about the modular approach power.

Case study solution
PFM

PFM AC-DC converters

Output: 24V or 48V

Power: Up to 400W

Peak efficiency: Up to 92%

110.55 x 35.54 x 9.40mm

PRM family page

ZVS buck regulators

Inputs: 12V (8 – 18V), 24V (8 – 42V), 48V (30 – 60V)

Output: 2.2 – 16V 

Current: Up to 22A

Peak efficiency: Up to 98%

As small as 10.0 x 10.0 x 2.56mm  

Buck Boost

ZVS buck-boost regulators

Input: 8 – 60V

Output: 10 – 54V

Power: Up to 150W continuous

Efficiency: Over 98%

10.5 x 14.5 x 3.05mm

Resources

Contact Form

Get in touch with Vicor

Thank you for contacting us

You should receive a reply to your request within one business day.