Abstract:In order to increase the power efficiency and operating reliability of cabled seafloor observatory networks (CSONs), the overall structure of the remote power monitoring and control system (PMACS) is designed according to the CSONs’ physical characteristics. The PMACS is divided to three subsystems, which are the data collection subsystem, the load management subsystem, and the network analysis subsystem. The functions and relations of these subsystems are introduced and the time synchronization scheme, load power optimization, and network analysis algorithms are studied. Through theoretical analysis, the weighted least square state estimation of the branching unit voltages is generated and a novel method for the ground fault location of the CSONs’ submarine cable is presented based on the controllability of power switching branching units. The study can be a reference to the construction of national CSONs in future.