Section 9 Submersibles
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Construction & Classification of Submersibles & Diving Systems, July 2022 - Part 6 Electrical Installations and Control Engineering Systems - Chapter 1 Electrical Installations - Section 9 Submersibles

Section 9 Submersibles

Parent topic: Chapter 1 Electrical Installations

9.1 General

9.1.1 The electrical arrangements of submersibles are to comply with the requirements of Pt 6, Ch 1, 1 General Requirements to Pt 6, Ch 1, 8 Testing and Trials of this Chapter, as far as applicable, together with the additional specific requirements given below.

9.2 Plans

9.2.1 In addition to the details listed under Pt 6, Ch 1, 1.2 Plans at least three copies of the plans and particulars detailed below are to be submitted for consideration: Simplified circuit diagram of electrical propulsion system (where fitted) giving the details listed under Pt 6, Ch 1, 1.2 Plans 1.2.3, together with an explanation of the system giving details of the propulsion control systems and the procedures used to ensure that there is satisfactory control of the design in relation to the requirements of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022, Pt 6, Ch 2, 16 Electric propulsion.

9.3 Design and construction

9.3.1 In addition to the requirements of Pt 6, Ch 1, 1.5 Design and construction 1.5.2, the design and installation of all electrical equipment is to be suitable for operation over the range of inclinations though which the unit is designed to operate. Refer to Pt 5, Ch 1, 2.2 Environmental conditions and Table 1.2.1 Design Angles of Inclination and Table 1.2.2 Environmental conditions.

9.3.2 Passenger carrying submersibles are to be fitted with a public address system supplied from both the main and the emergency electrical systems.

9.3.3 The requirements for such public address systems are given in the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022, Pt 6, Ch 2, 18.3 Public address system, which are to be complied with where applicable.

9.4 Sources of power

9.4.1 In addition to the requirements of Pt 6, Ch 1, 2.2 Sources of power, the electrical arrangements are to comply with Pt 6, Ch 1, 9.4 Sources of power 9.4.2 and Pt 6, Ch 1, 9.4 Sources of power 9.4.3, as applicable.

9.4.2 If the recovery of a tethered submersible is dependent on electric power supplied by the support ship or unit, a standby power source is to be provided. This is to be available in the event of failure of the main power source and is to be unaffected by any fault in the main power source or its associated equipment.

9.4.3 For tethered submersibles, the standby power source is to be automatically connected even if the umbilical cable linking the submersible to the surface is severed.

9.5 Batteries

9.5.1 In addition to the requirements of Pt 6, Ch 1, 4 Batteries the selection and installation of secondary batteries are to comply with Pt 6, Ch 1, 9.5 Batteries 9.5.2 to Pt 6, Ch 1, 9.5 Batteries 9.5.6.

9.5.2 Battery housings mounted on the outside of submersibles are to be either a pressure vessel designed and rated to withstand 1.4 times the hydrostatic pressure at the maximum operating depth of the submersible, or a container with bladder and pressure equalisation valve or other mechanism. Alternative arrangements will be subject to special consideration. Electrical penetrators are to comply with the requirements of Pt 6, Ch 1, 7 Electrical Pressure Hull Penetrators and Cable Connectors. Penetrations on non-pressurised external battery housings shall have equivalent mechanical strength to those required in Pt 6, Ch 1, 7 Electrical Pressure Hull Penetrators and Cable Connectors, although the pressure maintaining capability may be reduced, it is advisable to use a type tested penetration compliant with Pt 6, Ch 1, 7 Electrical Pressure Hull Penetrators and Cable Connectors.

9.5.3 Batteries are to be fixed so as to be undisturbed at the maximum inclination of the unit. Refer to Pt 5, Ch 1, 2.2 Environmental conditions 2.2.1.

9.5.4 Rechargeable batteries are to be recharged on the surface, in a well-ventilated position, unless arrangements are made to avoid danger caused by gassing.

9.5.5 It is advisable to arrange for battery acid to be transported separately from the batteries, especially if very low temperatures can be expected during air freighting.

9.5.6 Where Lithium-ion batteries are to be used inside the submersible hull, a Risk Assessment using a technique selected from IEC/ ISO 31010 Risk Management – Risk Assessment techniques, or an alternative acceptable standard, is to be performed. The Risk Assessment is to include, but is not limited to:
  • cell type;
  • battery construction;
  • the battery management;
  • location;
  • ventilation requirements;
  • installation; and
  • fire.

9.6 Trials

9.6.1 In addition to the requirements of Pt 6, Ch 1, 8.2 Trials, propulsion equipment is to be tested under working conditions and operated in the presence of the Surveyors and to their satisfaction.

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