Fault detection system and power distribution system having same

Abstract

A fault detection system for detecting an electrical fault in a component includes an optical conductor having a first end and a second end and configured to optically face the component. First and second sensors may be operably coupled to the first and second ends, respectively. The first sensor and the second sensor are each configured to detect electromagnetic radiation propagating through the optical conductor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fault detection systems, and more particularly to indication of electrical characteristics in fault detection systems. Background Art

[0002] Electrical power systems, such as those found in aircraft power distribution systems, employ power generation systems or power sources (e.g., generators) to generate electrical power to power aircraft systems and subsystems. As electrical power passes through electrical buses to deliver power from the power sources to electrical loads, power distribution nodes dispersed throughout the power system ensure that the power delivered to the electrical loads meets the design power standards of the loads. For example, the power distribution nodes may further provide switching operations to selectively enable or disable power delivery to specific electrical loads depending on, for example, available power distribution supplies, criticality of electrical load functionality, or aircraft operating modes (e.g., takeoff, cruise, or ground operations).

[0003] In the event of an electrical fault in a power distribution system component (such as might occur in a busbar, supply line, etc.), a large current may spontaneously flow through a normally non-conductive medium, such as air. Such an electrical fault may have unexpected or unpredictable effects on the power distribution assembly, including temperature changes, signal errors, or power fluctuations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] A complete and enabling disclosure of the invention, including the best mode thereof, is set forth to one of ordinary skill in the art in the specification made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an aircraft having a power distribution system according to various aspects described herein.

[0006] Figure 2 According to the various aspects described herein, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a fault detection system used in a power distribution system.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a fault detection system and showing an electrical fault that generates electromagnetic waves.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the fault detection system is shown Figure 3 The propagation of electromagnetic waves.

[0009] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 Plot of sensor signals in a fault detection system.

[0010] Figure 6 According to the various aspects described herein, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of another fault detection system used in a power distribution system.

[0011] Figure 7 According to the various aspects described herein, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of another fault detection system used in a power distribution system.

[0012] Figure 8 is a method for use according to various aspects described herein Figure 1 Schematic diagram of another fault detection system in a power distribution system.

[0013] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a fault detection system and showing an electrical fault that generates electromagnetic waves.

[0014] Fig.10 A flow chart illustrating a method of determining a location of an electrical fault in a component according to various aspects described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in the context of power systems and fault detection systems in aircraft. Aircraft power systems enable the generation and distribution of electrical power from energy sources such as turbine engines, jet fuel, hydrogen, batteries, etc. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not so limited and has general applicability to non-aircraft applications (including other mobile applications and non-mobile industrial, commercial and residential applications). For example, some applicable mobile environments may include aircraft, spacecraft, space launch vehicles, satellites, locomotives, automobiles, etc. Commercial environments may include manufacturing facilities or power generation and distribution facilities or infrastructure.

[0016] During power system operation, including an aircraft power distribution system as an example, electrical components such as lines, switches, nodes, etc. may carry large or variable currents that may produce electrical faults (including arc faults or arc flashes). Such electrical faults may generate a large amount of heat and light, which may have undesirable effects on surrounding components (e.g., insulation materials, housings, connectors, cable harnesses, etc.). An arc fault detection (AFD) system may be provided in which one or more sensors monitor electrical components for the presence of electrical faults. In some examples, such an AFD system may be incorporated into a power distribution system, or provided as a stand-alone system in some examples. Conventional AFD systems may provide a broad fault indication, such as a "fault detected" or "no fault detected" indicator, or an indication of which circuit has been affected by an arc fault. However, such systems do not provide detailed information about locating arc faults along or within a component. In large and / or dense power systems, such as those found in an aircraft environment, even circuit-level indications of electrical faults may result in a large number of components being selected for inspection or maintenance activities.

[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a fault detection system that is capable of detecting an arc fault in a component and is also capable of providing a location of the arc fault within or along the component. The fault detection system described herein includes an optical conductor, such as a fiber optic cable, having two ends, and an optical sensor located at each end for detecting electromagnetic (EM) radiation propagating through the optical conductor. The optical conductor is arranged along an optical path with an electrical component, such as a supply line or other current-carrying component. A controller module can receive a signal from the sensor indicating an EM pulse incident on the optical conductor, such as an EM pulse that may occur due to an electrical fault within the electrical component. There may be a time delay between sensor detection of the EM pulse at each end. The controller module can determine at least one of the following based at least on the time delay: the location of the incident EM pulse on the optical conductor or the location of the arc fault in the electrical component.

[0018] As used herein, the term "set" or "group" of elements may be any number of elements, including only one. As used herein, the term "upstream" may refer to a direction opposite to the direction of electricity, power, or current flow, and the term "downstream" may refer to a direction in the same direction as the direction of electricity, power, or current flow.

[0019] Furthermore, as used herein, although a sensor can be described as "sensing" or "measuring" a corresponding value, sensing or measuring can include determining a value indicative of or associated with the corresponding value, rather than directly sensing or measuring the value itself. The sensed value or measured value can be further provided to an additional component. For example, the value can be provided to a controller module or processor, and the controller module or processor can perform processing on the value to determine an electrical characteristic or representative value representing the value.

[0020] Additionally, although terms such as "voltage," "current," and "power" may be used herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may be interrelated when describing aspects of circuits or circuit operations.

[0021] All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to help readers understand the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting, particularly to their position, orientation, or use. Unless otherwise indicated, connection references (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, and engagement) are to be broadly interpreted and may include relative movement between intermediate members and elements between element sets. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and are in a fixed relationship to each other. In a non-limiting example, connection or disconnection may be selectively configured to provide, enable, disable, etc. electrical connections between corresponding elements. Non-limiting exemplary power distribution bus connections or disconnections may be enabled or operated by switches, bus link logic, or any other connector configured to enable or disable the powering of bus downstream electrical loads. Additionally, as used herein, "electrical connection" or "electrical coupling" may include wired or wireless connections. The exemplary drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, orders, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

[0022] Additionally, as used herein, a "controller" or "controller module" may include a component configured or adapted to provide instructions, control, operation, or any form of communication to an operable component to achieve its operation. A controller module may include any known processor, microcontroller, or logic device, including, but not limited to, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fully authorized digital engine control (FADEC), a proportional controller (P), a proportional integral controller (PI), a proportional differential controller (PD), a proportional integral differential controller (PID controller), a hardware accelerated logic controller (e.g., for encoding, decoding, transcoding, etc.), etc., or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of controller modules may be configured or adapted to run, operate, or otherwise execute program code to achieve an operation or functional result, including performing various methods, functionalities, processing tasks, calculations, comparisons, sensed or measured values, etc., to enable or achieve the technical operations or operations described herein. The operation or functional result may be based on one or more inputs, stored data values, sensed or measured values, true or false indications, etc. Although "program code" is described, non-limiting examples of operable or executable instruction sets may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, algorithms, etc. that have a technical effect of performing a specific task or realizing a specific abstract data type. In another non-limiting example, the controller module may also include a data storage component accessible by the processor, including memory, whether temporary, non-temporary, volatile or non-volatile memory. Machine-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for performing the methods disclosed herein. Machine-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing machine to perform a function or group of functions.

[0023] Additional non-limiting examples of memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory or one or more different types of portable electronic memory, (such as disk, DVD, CD-ROM, flash drive, universal serial bus (USB) drive, etc.) or any suitable combination of these types of memory. In one example, the program code can be stored in a machine-readable format accessible by the processor. Additionally, the memory can store various data, data types, sensed or measured data values, inputs, generated or processed data, etc. accessible by the processor in providing instructions, controls or operations to achieve functions or operational results, as described herein. In another non-limiting example, the controller module may include comparing a first value with a second value, and operating or controlling the operation of the additional component based on the satisfaction of the comparison. For example, when the sensed, measured or provided value is compared with another value or range (including stored or predetermined values ​​or ranges), the satisfaction of the comparison may result in an action, function or operation that can be controlled by the controller module. As used herein, the term "satisfies" or "satisfaction" of a comparison between a first value and a second value may refer to a determination whether the first value exceeds the second value, does not exceed the second value, or is equal to the second value, such that the comparison is "true" when satisfied. In addition, as used herein, the term "satisfies" or "satisfaction" of a comparison between a first value and a value range refers to a determination that the first value is within the value range, such that the comparison is "true" when satisfied. It will be understood that such a determination can be easily changed to be satisfied by a positive / negative comparison or a true / false comparison. Example comparisons may include comparing a sensed or measured value to a threshold value or a threshold range.

[0024] As used herein, a controllable switch element or "switch" is an electrical device that can be controlled to switch between a first operating mode or first mode, in which the switch is "closed" with the intent to pass current from the switch input to the switch output, and a second operating mode or second mode, in which the switch is "open" with the intent to prevent current from passing between the switch input and the switch output. In a non-limiting example, a connection or disconnection (such as a connection enabled or disabled by a controllable switch element) can be selectively configured to provide, enable, disable, etc., an electrical connection between corresponding elements.

[0025] The present disclosure can be implemented in any circuit environment with a switch. A non-limiting example of a circuit environment that can include aspects of the present disclosure can include an aircraft power system architecture, which implements the generation of electrical power from at least one spool of a turbine engine such as a gas turbine engine, and delivers the electrical power to a group of electrical loads via at least one switch. In a non-limiting example, an exemplary implementation can include a solid-state power controller (SSPC) switch device, such as a high-power switch based on silicon, silicon carbide (SiC) or gallium nitride (GaN). SiC or GaN can be selected based on their solid-state material construction (their ability to handle high voltage and high power levels with a smaller and lighter form factor, and their high-speed switching capabilities to perform electrical operations very quickly). Another exemplary implementation can include a field effect transistor (FET) switch, such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) switch, which can be controlled by a voltage applied to the switch. Additional switching devices or additional silicon-based power switches can be included.

[0026] Reference now Figure 1 , the aircraft 10 is shown with at least one turbine engine, shown as a left engine system 12 and a right engine system 14. The aircraft 10 may have fewer or additional engine systems, including only one, three or more. In some implementations, the left engine system 12 and the right engine system 14 may be the same engine system.

[0027] The aircraft 10 may include at least one power source 18, such as a generator, a motor, a battery power source, etc., or a combination thereof. The at least one power source may supply either or both of AC power or DC power. In the non-limiting example shown, the left engine system 12 and the right engine system 14 each include a power source 18 in the form of a generator, which is configured to supply at least AC power. In some exemplary implementations, a second power source 19 may also be provided. In the non-limiting example shown, the second power source 19 is provided within the aircraft 10 and outside the left engine system 12 and the right engine system 14, although this is not necessarily the case. For example, in one non-limiting example, either or both of the left engine system 12 or the right engine system 14 may include a second generator, a motor, a battery power source, etc. In another non-limiting example, the left engine system 12 may include a first power source 18 (e.g., a generator) as a primary power source, and a second generator as an auxiliary, backup, or redundant power source. In yet another non-limiting example, the second power source 19 may include a group of supplemental power sources that are provided and operable to provide at least a portion of primary power, supplemental power, redundant power, backup power, emergency power, etc. Non-limiting examples of such supplemental power sources may include, but are not limited to, a dischargeable or rechargeable electrical energy source, such as a fuel cell, a battery, a capacitor, a supercapacitor, an energy "bank" of a group of devices, or any other electrical power source.

[0028] The aircraft 10 may also include power consuming components or electrical loads 20 , such as actuator loads, flight critical loads, or non-flight critical loads, for example. The electrical loads 20 may be located anywhere within the aircraft 10 .

[0029] An exemplary power distribution system 30 is provided for electrically coupling the electrical load 20 with at least one of the power source 18 or the second power source 19. The exemplary power distribution system 30 may include, for example, a power distribution bus or power bus 32, such as a power transmission line or bus bar in a non-limiting example. In some implementations, where one or more supplemental power sources as described above are provided, such supplemental power sources may be selectively connected to the power bus 32, or to one or more of the electrical loads 20.

[0030] One or more power distribution nodes 34 are also provided in the power distribution system 30. The power distribution nodes 34 may receive power from any or all of the power source 18, the second power source 19, or the power bus 32.

[0031] The power distribution node 34 may also be electrically coupled to one or more of the electrical loads 20. The power distribution node 34 may be configured to receive power, store power, supply power, transmit power, convert power, modify power characteristics, etc., or a combination thereof. Some non-limiting examples of power distribution nodes 34 that may be provided in the power distribution system 30 include: a power transformer, such as a main power transformer (MPT), a unit auxiliary transformer (UAT), or a standby auxiliary transformer (RAT); a main power distribution unit (PDU); a power transmission control unit (PTCU); or a power converter, such as a DC to DC converter, an AC to DC converter, or an AC to AC converter. In this manner, the power distribution system 30 may form at least a portion of an avionics system of the aircraft 10.

[0032] During typical operation of the aircraft 10, the operating left and right engine systems 12, 14 provide mechanical energy that can be extracted, typically via a spool, to provide driving force for one or more power sources 18 (e.g., generators). The power sources 18, in turn, generate power (e.g., AC or DC power) and provide the generated power to a power bus 32, which delivers the power to electrical loads 20 located throughout the aircraft 10. Additionally, during typical operation of the aircraft 10, a second power source 19 (e.g., one or more supplemental power sources, as described above) can be selectively connected to the power bus 32 and operable to provide primary or supplemental power to a subset of the electrical loads 20, as described above.

[0033] Example power distribution management functions may include, but are not limited to, selectively enabling or disabling power delivery to particular electrical loads 20 depending upon, for example, available power distribution supplies, criticality of electrical load 20 functionality, or aircraft operating mode (e.g., takeoff, cruise, or ground operations). During emergency or insufficient periods of electrical power generation, including, but not limited to, engine or generator failures, at least one of the supplemental power sources may be operated, enabled, or connected to provide power to electrical loads 20. Additional management functions may be included.

[0034] will understand that although in Figure 1 Aspects of the present disclosure are shown in an aircraft environment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may have applicability in a variety of environments. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to providing power, supplemental power, emergency power, basic power, etc. for other power system architectures (including in other mobile environments or fixed environments).

[0035] also, Figure 1The number and placement of the various components depicted in the drawings are also non-limiting examples of aspects associated with the present disclosure. For example, although various components have been shown in relative positions to the aircraft 10 (e.g., electrical loads 20 on the wings of the aircraft 10, etc.), aspects of the present disclosure are not so limited, and based on their schematic depictions, the components are not so limited. Additional aircraft 10 configurations are contemplated.

[0036] Reference now Figure 2 , shows a schematic diagram of a power distribution node (PDN) 34 in a power distribution system 30 according to various aspects described herein. It is contemplated that in some exemplary implementations, the PDN 34 may take the form of an MPT or a PDU.

[0037] The PDN 34 may include at least one node input 35 and at least one node output 36. In the exemplary implementation shown, the PDN 34 includes a single node input 35 electrically coupled to the power bus 32, and a plurality of node outputs 36, each node output 36 being configured to supply power to a corresponding electrical load 20. Any number of node inputs 35 and node outputs 36 may be provided, including only one. In some implementations, one or more node outputs 36 may also be selectively connected to an auxiliary distribution node to define a hierarchical topology of the power distribution system 30.

[0038] Some exemplary supply lines 38 are shown as electrically coupling the power bus 32 to the PDN 34, and also electrically coupling each node output 36 to a corresponding electrical load 20. In some implementations, the supply lines 38 may also be combined into bundles, including but not limited to cables having a single connector at each end and multiple internal wires extending between the single connectors, or cable snakes having multiple wires with separate wire ends or multiple discrete wires secured by fasteners or sleeves, etc. Some exemplary couplings 22 between the supply lines 38 and the electrical loads 20 are also shown. Such couplings 22 may include connectors, wire splices, plug ends, etc. In addition, as shown, each supply line 38 may define a line length 38L between the corresponding node output 36 and the coupling 22.

[0039] A power controller 40 is also provided in the power distribution system 30. In the non-limiting example shown, the power controller 40 is provided with the power distribution node 34, although this is not necessarily the case. In some implementations, the power controller 40 can be a separate or discrete component and communicatively coupled to the PDN 34. The power controller 40 can include a processor and a machine-readable medium for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general or special purpose computer or processor.

[0040] The power controller 40 may include at least one data input 42 and at least one data output 44. As shown, the data input 42 and the data output 44 are shown as single, discrete components extending from the PDN 34, although this is not necessarily the case. It should be understood that the data input 42 or the data output 44 may also be combined or implemented with one of the supply lines 38, such as a data configuration on the power network, and is not necessarily a separate input or output. In some implementations, the power controller 40 may also include multiple data inputs or multiple data outputs. In addition, in the non-limiting example shown, a second controller 45 is communicatively coupled to the data input 42 and the data output 44. The second controller 45 can be any suitable controller module, including a power controller for another PDN, an advanced controller in the PDS 30, or a controller in another aircraft system, such as a navigation system, an environmental control system, etc. In this way, the power controller 40 can communicate signals or controllably operate with additional controllers through the data input 42 and the data output 44.

[0041] The power controller 40 may be operably coupled to one or more node outputs 36. During operation, the power controller 40 may receive input data, sensor signals, parameters, etc. from the power distribution node 34 or other aircraft systems or controller modules at the data input 42, and selectively control the operation of the PDN 34 to operably and selectively supply power to the corresponding one or more electrical loads 20 based on the received input. In some examples, the power controller 40 may also transmit data to one or more systems via the data output 44, including transmitting data to a second controller 45, other components in the power distribution system 30, or other aircraft systems or controller modules. In this manner, the power controller 40 may be configured to controllably operate the node output 36 to selectively supply power to at least one electrical load 20.

[0042] As described above, the power bus 32 can be electrically coupled to the power source 18 for receiving power and delivering power to the electrical load 20. In the exemplary implementation shown, a second power source 19 is also provided and configured to supply power to the power bus 32. As described above, the second power source 19 can include a supplemental power unit, one or more batteries, an additional generator, etc. It is also understood that any number, type, or combination of power sources can be used to supply power to the PDN 34, including a single power source, or three or more power sources. In addition, in a non-limiting example, Figure 2Other elements not shown may still be provided in the power distribution system 30 or PDN 34, including additional switches, contactors, controllers, power sources, etc. In this way, the PDN 34 can receive power from either or both of the power source 18 or the second power source 19, including simultaneously or asynchronously, and can also supply power to one or more electrical loads 20 based on power demand, operating conditions, or other parameters.

[0043] A fault detection system 50 may be provided for detecting electrical faults in the power distribution system 30, including arc faults or flashes that may occur in the supply lines 38 during operation. As shown, the fault detection system 50 is configured to detect electrical faults in the supply lines 38 connecting the PDN 34 to the electrical loads 20. It will be appreciated that the fault detection system 50 may be configured to detect arc faults in any portion or component of the power distribution system 30, including in other supply lines, the power bus 32, one or more electrical loads 20, etc.

[0044] The fault detection system 50 includes a first sensor 51 and a second sensor 52, each of which is configured to detect electromagnetic (EM) radiation, including visible spectrum radiation, infrared radiation, or ultraviolet radiation in some examples. The fault detection system 50 also includes a controller module 55 (also referred to herein as "controller 55") having a processor and a machine-readable medium for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. As described above, such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general or special purpose computer or processor.

[0045] The controller 55 is communicatively coupled to each of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52. In the non-limiting implementation shown, the controller module 55 is combined with the PDN 34 and includes the power controller 40. In this case, it is contemplated that the controller module 55 and the power controller 40 may share a common machine-readable medium or a common processor, or utilize a separate machine-readable medium or a separate processor. In this manner, the controller 55 may be configured to controllably operate the node output 36 for selectively supplying power to at least one electrical load 20. In another example, the controller 55 may be a discrete component and separate from the power controller 40. In some implementations, the fault detection system 50 including the controller 55 may also be implemented with discrete components separate from the PDN 34. In addition, the controller module 55 may include one or more data inputs and one or more data outputs for signal transmission or controllable operation between the controller module 55 and other systems or components (e.g., the second controller 45). Regardless of whether controller module 55 is integrated with PDN 34 or implemented as a separate component, it is contemplated that controller 55 may be communicatively or controllably coupled to node input 35 , node output(s) 36 , data input 42 , or data output 44 .

[0046] The fault detection system 50 also includes an optical conductor 60 extending between a first end 61 and a second end 62. As used herein, "optical conductor 60" refers to a component having a suitable material, refractive index, or geometric profile for transmitting EM radiation, including but not limited to visible spectrum radiation, infrared radiation, or ultraviolet radiation, between the first end 61 and the second end 62. Some non-limiting examples of the optical conductor 60 include fiber optic cables, light pipes, waveguides, etc.

[0047] In the example shown, the optical conductor 60 is arranged with a first sensor 51 and a second sensor 52, which are operably coupled to the respective first end 61 and second end 62 of the optical conductor 60. The optical conductor 60 is configured to optically face one or more supply lines 38. As used herein, a first component "optically facing" a second component means that the first component has at least one optical path to the second component. It will be understood that such an optical path between the first and second components may include, but is not limited to: a direct line of sight; a curved or folded optical path; one or more optical barriers; or one or more optical components, such as mirrors, lenses, gratings, etc. In some implementations, the optical conductor 60 can be configured to form a ring extending around at least a portion of the supply line 38. Such a ring can also extend completely around or completely surround any or all of the supply lines 38.

[0048] The optical conductor 60 can extend at least partially along an axial direction (denoted as "A" with respect to the illustrated example). In the illustrated non-limiting example, the optical conductor 60 defines a midpoint 66, and the axial direction A is defined between the node output 36 and the midpoint 66, although this is not necessarily the case. In some implementations, in some non-limiting examples, the axial direction A can be defined between the node output 36 and the coupling 22, or between the node output 36 and the corresponding electrical load 20. It should be understood that the axial direction A can be the same or different for two or more of the supply lines 38.

[0049] As shown, the optical conductor 60 can define a conductor length 60L between the first end 61 and the second end 62. The optical conductor 60 can also define a spacing distance relative to one or more of the supply lines 38. As shown, the first spacing distance D1 and the second spacing distance D2 are defined relative to one supply line 38, although this is not necessarily the case. In some non-limiting examples, the spacing distance can also include the shortest distance between one supply line 38 and the optical conductor 60, or a list of individual spacing distances between the optical conductor 60 and each supply line 38, or an average spacing distance between the optical conductor 60 and the supply lines 38, etc. In addition, one or more spacing distances (e.g., the first spacing distance D1 and the second spacing distance D2) can also be stored in the memory of the controller 55.

[0050] An optical filter 68 may also be provided in the fault detection system 50. In the non-limiting implementation shown, the optical filter 68 is a discrete component operably coupled to the optical conductor 60 adjacent the midpoint 66, although this need not be the case. The optical filter 68 may include any or all of a thin film interference optical filter, a bandpass filter, a coating on a portion of the optical conductor 60, a fiber Bragg grating within the optical conductor 60, and the like, for removing ambient EM radiation that may enter the optical conductor 60 at one of the first end 61 or the second end 62. It is contemplated that one or more optical filters 68 may be operably coupled to the optical conductor 60 at any location, including at the first end 61, the second end 62, or at least one location between the first end 61 and the second end 62.

[0051] Reference now Figure 3 , the fault detection system 50 and the power distribution system 30 are shown during an operation example, wherein an arc fault F (shown with an asterisk) occurs in one of the supply lines 38. The arc fault F generates an EM pulse 70, such as an arc flash, having an emitted EM frequency range including light or ultraviolet light. As shown, the EM pulse 70 propagates outward from the fault location 75 in the supply line 38.

[0052] EM pulse 70 is shown with concentric dashed circles, each indicating a wavefront that progresses over time. For visual clarity, the EM pulse 70 shown is truncated at the optical conductor 60, and it is understood that the EM pulse 70 can continue to propagate outwardly beyond the optical conductor 60. It should also be understood that the EM pulse 70 represents a time-limited pulse-like emission from the fault location 75.

[0053] In the example shown, the EM pulse 70 is first applied to the first pulse position 64. A The EM pulse 70 is incident on the optical conductor 60 at the first pulse position 64. A When the first part P of the EM pulse 70 encounters the optical conductor 60, 1 propagates toward the first end 61, while the second part P 2 The first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 can sense or detect the first portion P of the EM pulse 70. 1 and the second part P 2 The first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 may transmit corresponding sensor signals that are received by the controller 55 , the signals indicating that the EM pulse 70 propagates through the optical conductor 60 toward each end 61 , 62 .

[0054] In the example shown, the first pulse position 64 is smaller than that of the second sensor 52. A has a shorter distance along the optical conductor 60 to the first sensor 51, resulting in the first and second portions P 1 , P 2 Therefore, the corresponding sensor signals transmitted by the first and second sensors 51, 52 may also have the same time delay between transmissions.

[0055] In addition, the filter 68 may modify the first portion P 1 or the second part P 2 In the example shown, the first part P 1 is directed to the first sensor 51 without encountering the filter 68, while the second portion P 2 The filter 68 is directed through the filter 68 before encountering the second sensor 52. In this way, the filter 68 can modify the second portion P 2 including but not limited to amending Part II P 2 The amplitude, waveform, phase, or frequency content of a wave.

[0056] Go to Figure 4 As the EM pulse 70 continues to propagate, it is at the second pulse position 64 B The first pulse position 64 is also indicated for the sake of clarity. AAlthough the first pulse position 64 A and the second pulse position 64 B 60, but it is contemplated that the optical conductor 60 may be arranged or positioned in a variety of ways, including symmetrical, asymmetrical, or irregular geometric profiles. It is also contemplated that the EM pulse 70 may be incident on any portion or region of the optical conductor 60, including only on a single portion, or sequentially on multiple portions, etc.

[0057] When the EM pulse 70 encounters the optical conductor 60 at the second pulse position 64B, the third portion P of the EM pulse 70 3 propagates toward the first end 61, and the fourth part P 4 The first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 can sense or detect the corresponding third portion P 3 and Part IV P 4 The first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 may transmit corresponding sensor signals that are received by the controller 55 , the signals being indicative of the EM pulse 70 propagating through the optical conductor 60 .

[0058] Furthermore, in the example shown, the second pulse position 64 is smaller than that of the first sensor 51. B has a shorter distance along the optical conductor 60 to the second sensor 52, resulting in the third portion P 3 and Part IV P 4 Therefore, the corresponding sensor signals transmitted by the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 may also have a time delay between transmissions.

[0059] Reference now Figure 5 , plot 80 shows the controller module 55 ( Figure 4 ) is a non-limiting example of sensor signals received from the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52. Plot 80 includes a first signal S1 from the first sensor 51 A and a second signal S2 from the second sensor 52 A , each signal corresponds to the first pulse position 64 A Department Figure 3 ) incident EM pulse 70. Plot 80 also includes a subsequent first signal S1 from first sensor 51 B and the subsequent second signal S2 from the second sensor 52 B , each signal corresponds to the second pulse position 64 B Department Figure 4 )The incident EM pulse 70.

[0060] First signal S1 Aand the second signal S2 A By the corresponding first voltage V1 A and the second voltage V2 A The subsequent first signal S1 B and the second signal S2 B By the corresponding subsequent first voltage V1 B and the second voltage V2 B Additionally or alternatively, in some non-limiting examples, the sensor signal S1 A 、S2 A 、S1 B 、S2 B This can be in the form of voltage or current, including a single value, a maximum or minimum value, an amplitude, a change or increment, or a rate of change.

[0061] More specifically, the first signal S1 A and the second signal S2 A Corresponding to the first part P 1 and the second part P 2 ( Figure 3 ) detection. The subsequent first signal S1 B and the second signal S2 B Corresponding to the third part P 3 and Part IV P 4 ( Figure 4 ) detection.

[0062] In the example shown, the controller 55 sets the time t 1 ,t 2 ,t 3 ,t 4 Sequential reception signal S1 A 、S2 A 、S2 B 、S1 B As mentioned above, with the second part P 2 Compared with the first part P 1 ( Figure 3 ) travels a shorter distance through the optical conductor 60, resulting in a corresponding first sensor signal S1 A and the second sensor signal S2 A The time delay ΔT between A In addition, in accordance with Part IV P 4 In comparison, the third part P 3 ( Figure 4 ) travels a shorter distance through the optical conductor 60, resulting in a corresponding subsequent first signal S1 B and the second signal S2 B The subsequent time delay ΔT between B .

[0063] Although the plot 80 shows that the signal S1 A 、S2 A 、S1 B 、S2 B specific time-ordered sequence, but it should be understood that the signal S1 received by the controller 55 A 、S2 A 、S1 B 、S2 B The specific order of the sequence of the first and second sensors 51 and 52 may vary depending on the relative positioning of the first and second sensors 51 and 52, the optical conductor 60, and the supply line(s) 38. For example, in some implementations, the controller 55 may generate the first and second signals S2 A (corresponding to the first pulse position 64 A ) before or after receiving the subsequent first signal S1 B (corresponding to the second pulse position 64 B ). In the non-limiting example shown, in the first signal S1 A and the subsequent first signal S1 B In other words, the first recurrent time interval ΔT1 represents the time between consecutive signals received by the controller module 55 from the first sensor 51. A and then the second signal S2 B 1 and 1. A second cycle time interval ΔT2 is shown between the first and second sensors 51 and 52. As shown, the first cycle time interval ΔT1 is longer than the second cycle time interval ΔT2, although this is not necessarily the case. It should be understood that the first and second cycle time intervals ΔT1 and ΔT2 may have relative durations that depend on the relative positioning of the first and second sensors 51 and 52, the optical conductor 60, and the supply line(s) 38.

[0064] In addition, with the first signal S1 A In comparison, the second signal S2 A The second signal S2 may also have modified signal characteristics. Such signal characteristics may include, but are not limited to, amplitude or peak value, full width at half maximum (FWHM) value, waveform, phase, etc. In the non-limiting example shown, the second signal S2 A Compared with the first signal S1 A has a higher amplitude, resulting in a first voltage V1 A Greater than the second voltage V2 A Furthermore, in the non-limiting example shown, the subsequent first signal S1 B Compared with the subsequent second signal S2 B may have modified signal characteristics, such as the first signal S1 BCompared with the subsequent second signal S2 B Has a higher amplitude.

[0065] Assume that the amplitude difference between the signals (for example, the first signal S1 A and the second signal S2 A The amplitude difference between the two) can be at least partially caused by the difference in travel distance through the optical conductor 60 (e.g., in P 1 , P 2 Between the first and second parts ( Figure 3 For example, during wave propagation in the optical conductor 60, scattering or other cumulative effect losses may occur, so that the second signal S2 A Compared with the first signal S1 A is more strongly affected by the reduction in amplitude.

[0066] It is also assumed that the amplitude difference between the signals (eg, the subsequent first signal S1 B and the subsequent second signal S2 B The amplitude difference between the two) can also be formed at least in part by a filter 68, which is formed by the corresponding sensors 51, 52 ( Figure 4 ) Modify part P before detection 3 , P 4 Such wave characteristics may include, but are not limited to, frequency components, frequency bands, amplitudes, phases, etc. For example, Figure 4 The third part P shown in 3 The fourth portion P encounters the filter 68 before being detected by the first sensor 51, and 4 The filter 68 is not encountered. In this way, the filter 68 can reduce the third part P 3 amplitude, resulting in the subsequent second signal S2 B Compared with the subsequent first signal S1 B The peak voltage in is reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, it is contemplated that filter 68 may modify the portion P 1 , P 2 , P 3 , P 4 For example, filter 68 may modify the second portion P 2 and the third part P 3 The amplitude and frequency components of the first signal S1 (for example, removing a predetermined frequency). A Such a change in the frequency components may result in the second signal S2 A With a wider FWHM, although not necessarily. In other examples, filter 68 can narrow the FWHM, or form a new waveform / geometric profile, etc.

[0068] Usually refer to Figure 1-5 During operation, the controller 55 can be configured to receive sensor signals from the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52, including the sensor signal S1 A 、S2 A 、S1 B 、S2 B and compare the received sensor signals. Such comparison may include comparing sensor signals received due to a single incident EM pulse or multiple or cyclic incident EM pulses, etc. Such comparison may also include determining a time delay between the received sensor signals, such as a time delay ΔT. A , subsequent time delay ΔT B , the first cycle time interval ΔT1 or the second cycle time interval ΔT2. The time delay may include but is not limited to: the first part P 1 and the second part P 2 The delay between detections; Part III P 3 and Part IV P 4 The delay between the detection of the first sensor 51 to the first part P 1 and the third part P 3 or by the second sensor 52 to the second portion P 2 and Part IV P 4 The delay between detections.

[0069] Such comparison of received sensor signals may also include comparing signal characteristics of the first and second sensor signals S1, S2, including amplitude, waveform, FWHM, phase, etc., as described above. For example, the controller 55 may receive a signal corresponding to the first portion P from the first sensor 51. 1 and evaluating the received sensor signal to determine the first part P 1 Whether the filter 68 is encountered before detection at the first sensor 51. Such evaluation may include, but is not limited to, comparing the sensor signal to a baseline or calibration waveform, performing a frequency analysis or comparison, performing an amplitude analysis or comparison, performing a wave phase analysis or comparison, etc., or a combination thereof. In this way, the controller 55 can be configured to determine whether a particular sensor signal indicates a wave modification of the filter 68.

[0070] Such comparison of received sensor signals may further include verification or validation of a determined value or analysis. For example, in one non-limiting example of operation, the controller 55 may compare the time delay ΔT A and subsequent time delay ΔT B The controller 55 may then delay ΔT based on the subsequent time B To implement the time delay ΔTA Additionally or alternatively, the controller 55 may verify or confirm the time delay ΔT based on the first cycle time interval ΔT1 or the second cycle time interval ΔT2. A or subsequent time delay ΔT B Either or both of .

[0071] It should also be understood that the controller 55 may repeatedly perform comparisons during operation, where such comparisons may include determining values, evaluating, verifying, confirming, etc. as described above. In a non-limiting example, the controller 55 may repeatedly perform such comparisons during operation based on a trigger signal, based on a signal threshold, based on a value threshold, etc., or a combination thereof, at regular time intervals, irregular time intervals, in real time.

[0072] In performing the comparison of the received sensor signals, the controller 55 may be configured to determine a fault location in a component, such as a fault location 75 in the supply line 38 ( Figure 3 ). Such determined fault locations may include, but are not limited to, a single location value, a range of location values, an uncertainty corresponding to a location value or range, an identification of a supply line 38 having an electrical fault, an uncertainty corresponding to the above identification, etc. In some implementations, such a location or location range may include a location along the conductor length 38L ( Figure 2 ). For example, in a non-limiting example, the fault location 75 may indicate a 1 meter segment of the supply line 38. Additionally or alternatively, the location or range of locations may include an axial location along the axial direction A. It should be understood that in some implementations, the fault location 75 and the pulse location (e.g., the pulse location 64) may be indicative of a 1 meter segment of the supply line 38. A , 64 B ) can share a common axial position along the axial direction A.

[0073] The controller 55 may determine the fault location based at least on the time delay between the signals received from the first sensor 51 or the second sensor 52. For example, the controller 55 may determine the fault location 75 based on one or more system characteristics, including but not limited to the first separation distance D1 or the second separation distance D2, the time delay ΔT A , subsequent time delay ΔT B , the first cycle time interval ΔT1 or the second cycle time interval ΔT2, or the time delay ΔT A , subsequent time delay ΔT B , or any or all of the consecutive values ​​of the first cyclic time interval ΔT1 or the second cyclic time interval ΔT2. For example, the first separation distance D1 can be compared with the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 ( Figure 5 ) time delay ΔT AThe controller 55 may also verify or confirm the determined fault location based on the one or more system characteristics described above. Such verification or confirmation may include system characteristics from a single sensed value, multiple sensed values, a single received signal, or multiple received signals. Such sensed values ​​or received signals may be sensed or received from a single source, multiple sources, at a single time, or over a period of time.

[0074] In one non-limiting example, the controller 55 may retrieve one or more separation distances (eg, the first separation distance D1 or the second separation distance D2) from the memory. The controller 55 may also perform a signal comparison to determine at least the time delay ΔT A The controller 55 may be configured to determine the interval based on the retrieved one or more interval distances and the time delay ΔT. A To determine the fault location 75.

[0075] Furthermore, the controller 55 may be further configured to determine a pulse position (eg, a first pulse position 64) along the optical conductor 60. A or second pulse position 64 B ). The determined pulse position may include, but is not limited to, a single position value, a range of position values, an uncertainty corresponding to a position value or range, etc. In some implementations, such a position or position range may include a pulse position along the conductor length 60L ( Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the position or position range may include an axial position along the axial direction A.

[0076] The controller 55 may determine the pulse position based on one or more system characteristics, including but not limited to the first separation distance D1 or the second separation distance D2, the time delay ΔT A , subsequent time delay ΔT B , the first cycle time interval ΔT1 or the second cycle time interval ΔT2, or the time delay ΔT A , subsequent time delay ΔT B or comparison of consecutive values ​​of any or all of the first recurring time interval ΔT1 or the second recurring time interval ΔT2. For example, in one non-limiting example of operation, the controller 55 may be configured to compare the values ​​of the consecutive values ​​of the first recurring time interval ΔT1 or the second recurring time interval ΔT2 based only on the time delay ΔT A to determine the pulse position along the optical conductor 60. In another non-limiting example, the controller 55 may be configured to determine the pulse position along the optical conductor 60 based on the time delay ΔT A , from the second part P 2 The filter 68 determines the presence of waveform modification and the first part P 1 The pulse position is determined by a combination of the determination of "no waveform modification".

[0077] In some implementations, the controller 55 can be further configured to determine whether the two received signals correspond to a common incident EM pulse or separate incident EM pulses. For example, based at least on the time delay ΔT A , the controller 55 may determine the first part P 1 and the second part P 2 From the first pulse position 64 A In another non-limiting example, based at least on a subsequent time delay ΔT B , the controller 55 may determine the third part P 3 and Part IV P 4 From the second pulse position 64 B In another non-limiting example, the controller 55 may delay the time ΔT A With subsequent time delay ΔT B Compare and determine the first pulse position 64 A With the second pulse position 64 B In yet another non-limiting example, based at least on the first cycle time interval ΔT1 or the second cycle time interval ΔT2, the controller 55 may determine that the portion P 1 , P 3 The first pulse position 64 is derived from a single incident pulse position on the optical conductor 60 (eg, the first pulse position 64 A and the second pulse position 64 B ).

[0078] Further, the controller 55 can be configured to provide an output indicating a fault location (e.g., fault location 75). In a non-limiting example, such an output can include at least one of a visual output, an audio output, a display output, a tactile output, a text log entry, or a maintenance request. The output can be transmitted to another component or system, such as a power controller 40, another controller module, a light source, a display, a memory, an actuator providing tactile feedback, an audio source, etc. In a non-limiting example of operation, the power controller 40 can receive an output indicating a fault location 75 and controllably operate the node output 36 based on the output, such as modifying or stopping the power supply from the node output 36. In another non-limiting example of operation, the controller 55 can transmit the output to another aircraft system, such as a text log that can be stored in a memory, or a maintenance request, or a cockpit alert, such as a flashing light, a text display, an audio alert, a vibration, or a tactile alert, etc.

[0079] In this manner, the controller 55 may receive sensor signals indicative of arc faults F in components of the power distribution system 30 (including arc faults F in one or more supply lines 38). The controller 55 may execute the received sensor signals (e.g., the first signal S1 A and the second signal S2 A Such a comparison may include determining a time delay between received sensor signals, such as a time delay ΔT A The controller 55 may be further configured to provide an indication of the fault location 75, including, in a non-limiting example, at least one of an audio alarm or a display output. Furthermore, based on the determined time delay, the controller 55 may determine at least the location of the arc fault F in the component, such as the fault location 75 in the supply line 38. Based on the time delay as described above, the controller 55 may further determine a pulse location (e.g., the first pulse location 64) along the optical conductor 60 on which the arc flash was incident. A or second pulse position 64 B ). Such pulse positions may be used by the controller 55 to determine or verify a determined fault location.

[0080] Reference now Figure 6 , showing that it is possible to Figure 1 ) is another fault detection system 150 used in the present invention. The fault detection system 150 is similar to Figure 2 Thus, like components are described using like numerals increased by 100, with the understanding that the description of like components of the fault detection system 50 is applicable to the fault detection system 150 unless otherwise specified.

[0081] In addition, another power distribution node 134 in the PDS 30 is shown, which can supply power to the electrical load 20. The PDN 134 is similar to Figure 2 Accordingly, like components are described using like numerals increased by 100, with the understanding that the description of like components of PDN 34 applies to PDN 134 unless otherwise noted.

[0082] In the non-limiting example shown, the PDN 134 includes one node input 135 and three node outputs 136. Any number of node inputs 135 or node outputs 136 may be provided. A power controller 140 is also provided with the PDN 134. The power controller 140 may include at least one data input 142 and at least one data output 144. Although in Figure 6 Not shown, but contemplated, additional components (eg, a second controller 45 ) may be communicatively or controllably coupled to the data input 142 or the data output 144 .

[0083] Similar to supply line 38 ( Figure 2 ), a bundle 137 having a plurality of supply lines 138 provides at least an electrical connection between the PDN 134 and the electrical load 20. Additional supply lines 138 may also electrically couple the PDN 134 to the power bus 32. As described above, the power bus 32 may be electrically coupled to either or both of the power source 18 or the second power source 19. Furthermore, in the example shown, each supply line 138 in the bundle 137 defines a line length 138L between a corresponding node output 136 and the coupling 22. For example, the bundle 137 may be formed by securing the plurality of supply lines 138 together with fasteners, sleeves, and the like. As described above, the bundle 137 may also include a cable having a common connector at each end and coupled to the plurality of supply lines 138, or a cable coil, and the like.

[0084] The fault detection system 150 includes a first sensor 151, a second sensor 152, a controller module 155 (also referred to herein as "controller 155"), and an optical conductor 160 extending between a first end 161 and a second end 162. One difference compared to the fault detection system 50 is that the controller module 155 is a separate discrete component that is communicatively coupled to the power controller 140. A communication link 185 may be provided between the controller 155 and the power controller 140. For visual clarity, the communication link 185 is schematically shown as a dashed line extending between the controller 155 and the power controller 140. It should be understood that the communication link 185 may provide a wired or wireless signal connection between the controller 155 and the power controller 140, including one-way communication or two-way communication. In some implementations, the communication link 185 may be coupled to the data input 142 or the data output 144. Additionally or alternatively, the power controller 140 or the controller 155 may be provided with a separate or dedicated input / output port for handling signals transmitted along the communication link 185. Further, it is contemplated that the controller 155 may be communicatively or operatively coupled to additional components, such as a second controller 45 ( Figure 4 ).

[0085] As shown, optical conductor 160 is arranged to form a loop around bundle 137. Optical conductor 160 defines a conductor length 160L and extends at least partially along axial direction A. One difference compared to fault detection system 50 is that axial direction A is defined between node output 136 and coupling 22.

[0086] An optical filter 168 may also be provided. Another difference compared to the fault detection system 50 is that the optical filter 168 is incorporated into or integrated with the optical conductor 160. For example, the optical filter 168 may be in the form of a fiber Bragg grating extending through at least a portion of the optical conductor 160. In the non-limiting example shown, a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings are shown along the optical conductor 160, although this is not necessarily the case. The optical filter 168 may include a single fiber Bragg grating or a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings. The optical filter 168 may also extend along or through a single portion, a plurality of discrete portions, or the entire length of the optical conductor 160.

[0087] During operation, an arc fault F (shown with an asterisk) may occur within beam 137. Such an arc fault F generates an EM pulse 70 as described above, which is shown as propagating outward in concentric dashed circles. When EM pulse 70 is incident on optical conductor 160 at pulse position 164, a first portion P of EM pulse 70 1 propagates toward the first end 161, while the second part P 2 The first sensor 151 and the second sensor 152 can sense or detect the first portion P of the EM pulse 70. 1 and the second part P 2 As described above, the first sensor 151 and the second sensor 152 may transmit corresponding sensor signals to the controller 155 that are indicative of the propagation of the EM pulse 70 through the optical conductor 160 .

[0088] As described above, the controller 155 can compare the received sensor signals and determine a fault location 175 along the beam 137. The fault location 175 can include, but is not limited to, a single position value, a range of position values, an uncertainty corresponding to the position value or range, an identification of a supply line with an electrical fault, an uncertainty corresponding to the above identification, etc. As described above, such a position or position range can include a position along the line length 138L, or an axial position along the axial direction A. In the illustrated example, the fault location 175 includes a position along the line length 138L and an identification 139 of the supply line 138 with an electrical fault. The controller 155 can also verify or confirm the determined fault location based on one or more system characteristics as described above. In addition, the controller 155 can be configured to provide an output indicating the fault location, including at least one of a visual output, an audio output, a display output, a tactile output, a text log entry, or a maintenance request. As described above, the power controller 140 can also receive an output indicating the fault location 175 and controllably operate the node output 136 based on the output. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 155 can transmit the output to another aircraft system as described above.

[0089] As described above, the controller 155 can additionally determine a pulse position 164 along the optical conductor 160. The determined pulse position can include, but is not limited to, a single position value, a range of position values, an uncertainty corresponding to a position value or range, etc. Such a position or position range can include a position along the conductor length 160L, or an axial position along the axial direction A, as described above. It should be understood that in some implementations, the fault location 175 and the pulse location 164 can share a common axial position along the axial direction A.

[0090] Go to Figure 7 , showing that it is possible to Figure 1 ) is another fault detection system 250 used in the present invention. The fault detection system 250 is similar to the fault detection systems 50, 150. Therefore, like components are described with like numbers increased by 100, wherein it is understood that the description of like components of the fault detection systems 50, 150 is applicable to the fault detection system 250 unless otherwise stated.

[0091] Additionally, another power distribution node 234 is shown in the PDS 30 that can supply power to the electrical load 20. The PDN 234 is similar to the PDNs 34, 134. Therefore, like components are described with like numerals increased by 100, with the understanding that the description of like components of the PDNs 34, 134 applies to the PDN 234 unless otherwise noted.

[0092] In the non-limiting example shown, the PDN 234 includes one node input 235 and one node output 236. Any number of node inputs 235 or node outputs 236 may be provided. A power controller 240 is also provided with the PDN 234. The power controller 240 may include at least one data input 242 and at least one data output 244. Figure 7 Not shown, but contemplated, additional components (eg, second controller 45 ) may be communicatively or controllably coupled to power controller 240 , data input 242 , or data output 244 .

[0093] Similar to the supply lines 38, 138, the cable 237 having multiple internal supply lines 238 provides at least an electrical connection between the PDN 234 and the electrical load 20. Additional supply lines 238 may also electrically couple the PDN 234 to the power bus 32. As described above, the power bus 32 may be electrically coupled to either or both of the power source 18 or the second power source 19.

[0094] Furthermore, in the example shown, each supply line 238 in the cable 237 extends between a node output 236 at one end and a single coupling 222 at the other end. One difference compared to the PDN 34, 234 is that the coupling 222 may be in the form of a switchable coupling between the cable 237 and the plurality of electrical loads 20, although this need not be the case. It should be understood that the cable 237 may have any suitable form, including a plurality of connectors at either end for a corresponding plurality of couplings 22, 222.

[0095] The fault detection system 250 includes a first sensor 251, a second sensor 252, a controller module 255 (also referred to herein as "controller 255"), and an optical conductor 260 extending between a first end 261 and a second end 262. One difference compared to the fault detection systems 50, 150 is that the controller 255 is provided within the PDN 234 and is separate from the power controller 240. As shown, a communication link 285 internal to the PDN 234 can be provided between the controller 255 and the power controller 240. The communication link 285 can provide a wired or wireless signal connection between the controller 255 and the power controller 240, including one-way communication or two-way communication. It is also contemplated that, as described above, the communication link 285 can provide a communication link between the controller 255 and the second controller 45 ( Figure 2 ) between signals.

[0096] Another difference compared to the fault detection system 50, 150 is that the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 are provided in separate components. In the example shown, the first sensor 251 is provided with the PDN 234, while the second sensor 252 is provided in a separate component 286 in the PDS 30. In a non-limiting example, the component 286 may include a sensor housing, another electrical load, another controller module, or another power distribution node. A sensor communication link 295 similar to the communication links 185, 285 is provided between the controller 155 and the second sensor 252.

[0097] The optical conductor 260 defines a conductor length 260L and extends at least partially along the axial direction A. Another difference compared to the fault detection system 50, 150 is that the optical conductor 260 extends along the cable 237 without forming a physical loop. In addition, an optical filter 268 may be provided. The optical filter 268 may be a discrete or separate component operably coupled to the optical conductor 260, or may be incorporated into or integrated with the optical conductor 260, as described above. For example, the optical filter 268 may include one or more fiber Bragg gratings, thin film interference filters, bandpass filters, a coating on a portion of the optical conductor 260, etc.

[0098] During operation, an arc fault F (indicated by an asterisk) may occur within the cable 237. Such an arc fault F generates an EM pulse 70 as described above, which is shown as propagating outward in concentric dashed circles. When the EM pulse 70 is incident on the optical conductor 260 at the pulse position 264, the first portion P of the EM pulse 70 1 propagates toward the first end 261, while the second part P 2 The first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 can sense or detect the first portion P of the EM pulse 70. 1 and the second part P 2 As described above, the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 may transmit corresponding sensor signals indicative of the EM pulses 70 propagating through the optical conductor 260 to the controller 255 .

[0099] As described above, the controller 255 can compare the received sensor signals and determine a fault location 275 along the cable 237. The fault location 275 can include, but is not limited to, a single position value, a range of position values, an uncertainty corresponding to the position value or range, an identification of a supply line with an electrical fault, an uncertainty corresponding to the above identification, etc. As described above, such a position or position range can include a position along the line length 238L, or an axial position along the axial direction A. In the example shown, the fault location 275 includes an axial position along the line length 138L (indicated by a dotted line). The controller 255 can also verify or confirm the determined fault location based on one or more system characteristics as described above. In addition, the controller 255 can be configured to provide an output indicating the fault location, including at least one of a visual output, an audio output, a display output, a tactile output, a text log entry, or a maintenance request. As described above, the power controller 240 can also receive an output indicating the fault location 275 and controllably operate the node output 236 based on the output. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 255 can transmit the output to another aircraft system as described above.

[0100] As described above, the controller 255 can additionally determine a pulse position 264 along the optical conductor 260. The determined pulse position can include, but is not limited to, a single position value, a range of position values, an uncertainty corresponding to a position value or range, etc. Such a position or position range can include a position along the conductor length 260L, or an axial position along the axial direction A, as described above. It should be understood that in some implementations, the fault location 275 and the pulse location 264 can share a common axial position along the axial direction A.

[0101] Reference now Figure 8 , shows another fault detection system 350 that may be used in aircraft 10, including a power distribution system 30 ( Figure 1 ). The fault detection system 350 is similar to the fault detection systems 50, 150, 250. Therefore, like components are described using like numbers increased by 100, with the understanding that the description of like components of the fault detection systems 50, 150, 250 applies to the fault detection system 350 unless otherwise stated.

[0102] One difference compared to the fault detection systems 50, 150, 250 is that the fault detection system 350 can have a modular arrangement or form. In the exemplary implementation shown, the fault detection system 350 includes a first fault detection module 350A, a second fault detection module 350B, and a third fault detection module 350C. Any number of fault detection modules can be provided.

[0103] Each fault detection module 350A, 350B, 350C includes a corresponding first sensor 351A, 351B, 351C, a corresponding second sensor 352A, 352B, 352C, a corresponding controller module (or "controller") 355A, 355B, 355C, and a corresponding optical conductor 360A, 360B, 360C. In some implementations, one or more of the controllers 355A, 355B, 355C may include a power controller for selectively supplying power to at least one electrical load (including the controller 55, 155, 255 described above), or for controllably operating a node output, such as the node output 36, 136, 236 described above. In some implementations, one or more of the controllers 355A, 355B, 355C may be communicatively coupled to a separate power controller, including the controller 55, 155, 255 described above.

[0104] It is also contemplated that any of the fault detection modules 350A, 350B, 350C may include or have the form or arrangement of any of the fault detection modules described above in the fault detection systems 50, 150, 250. For example, while the optical conductors 360A, 360B, 360C are illustrated as forming a ring, it should be understood that any of the optical conductors 360A, 360B, 360C may have other geometric arrangements, such as Figure 7 In addition, the optical conductors 360A, 360B, 360C may include one or more optical filters, including the optical filters 68, 168, 268 described above.

[0105] A system controller module 390 (or "system controller 390") may also be provided in signal communication with any or all of the first controller 355A, the second controller 355B, or the third controller 355C. In some implementations, the system controller 390 may include a power controller for selectively supplying power to at least one electrical load (including the controllers 55, 155, 255 described above), or for controllably operating a node output, such as the node outputs 36, 136, 236 described above. In some implementations, the system controller 390 may be in signal communication with a separate power controller (e.g., the power controller 40, 140, 240 or the second controller 45 described above). In the example shown, a communication link 385 is provided for signal communication, operational coupling, etc. between at least the system controller 390 and the controllers 355A, 355B, 355C. For example, the communication link 385 may provide a wired or wireless signal connection between the system controller 390 and the controllers 355A, 355B, 355C, including one-way communication or two-way communication.

[0106] The fault detection system 350 can be configured to sense, detect or indicate electrical faults and corresponding fault locations in multiple electrical components. In the example shown, the fault detection modules 350A, 350B, 350C are arranged along corresponding exemplary cables 337A, 337B, 337C as shown. Cables 337A, 337B, 337C are similar to bundles 137, 237, and can each carry multiple supply lines 338A, 338B, 338C. For visual clarity, cables 337A, 337B, 337C are shown in isolation, and it should be understood that cables 337A, 337B, 337C can receive power from the first power source 18 or the second power source 19, the power bus 32, etc., and also supply power to one or more electrical loads 20 as described above ( Figure 7 ).

[0107] The fault detection system 350 defines various physical parameters based on at least the relative arrangement of the first fault detection module 350A, the second fault detection module 350B, and the third fault detection module 350C. In the example shown, a first spacing distance D1 is defined between the first optical conductor 360A and the first cable 337A, a second spacing distance D2 is defined between the second optical conductor 360B and the second cable 337B, and a third spacing distance D3 is defined between the third optical conductor 360C and the third cable 337C. The spacing distances D1, D2, and D3 are shown as minimum spacing distances, although this is not necessarily the case. In some implementations, the first spacing distance D1, the second spacing distance D2, or the third spacing distance D3 can be defined as an average spacing distance, a local minimum spacing distance, etc. between the corresponding optical conductor 360A, 360B, 360C and the cable 337A, 337B, 337C.

[0108] In addition, a first pair of spacings D12 is shown between the first fault detection module 350A and the second fault detection module 350B, a second pair of spacings D23 is shown between the second fault detection module 350B and the third fault detection module 350C, and a third pair of spacings D13 is shown between the first fault detection module 350A and the third fault detection module 350C. As shown, the first pair of spacings D12 is defined as the minimum distance between the corresponding optical conductors 360A, 360B, the second pair of spacings D23 is defined as the minimum distance between the corresponding optical conductors 360B, 360C, and the third pair of spacings D13 is defined as the minimum distance between the corresponding optical conductors 360A, 360C. It is contemplated that the pair spacings D12, D23, D13 may also be defined as an average spacing distance, a local minimum spacing distance, etc.

[0109] Fig. 9 Fault detection system 350 and power distribution system 30 are shown during one operational example in which an arc fault F (shown with an asterisk) is present in second cable 337B. Arc fault F generates EM pulses 70, such as an arc flash, having an emitted EM frequency range including optical or ultraviolet as described above.

[0110] EM pulse 70 is shown with concentric dashed circles, each indicating a wavefront that advances over time. In the non-limiting example shown, arc fault F has a fault location 375 near one edge of second cable 337B, such that EM pulse 70 is partially attenuated in a direction toward first cable 337A. In some non-limiting examples, it is also contemplated that EM pulse 70 may propagate from second cable 337B without attenuation in all directions, or be completely attenuated without propagating toward first cable 337A.

[0111] As shown, the EM pulse 70 is incident on each of the first optical conductor 360A, the second optical conductor 360B, and the third optical conductor 360C at a respective first pulse position 364A, a second pulse position 364B, and a third pulse position 364C. As described above, a portion of the EM pulse 70 propagates through each optical conductor 360A, 360B, 360C and is detected by the corresponding sensor 351A, 352A, 351B, 352B, 351C, 352C. As described above, a sensor signal may be received by the corresponding controller 355A, 355B, 355C, the signal being indicative of the EM pulse 70 propagating through the optical conductor 360A, 360B, 360C.

[0112] In addition, the controllers 355A, 355B, 355C may transmit or receive signals from the system controller 390 via the communication link 385. For example, the system controller 390 may receive any or all of: a set of first signals from the first controller 355A, a set of second signals from the second controller 355B, or a set of third signals from the third controller 355C. In the non-limiting example shown, the system controller 390 may receive the set of second signals, followed by the set of first signals, followed by the set of third signals, wherein each of the set of first signals, the set of second signals, and the set of third signals corresponds to an electrical fault F. The system controller 390 may compare such signals, including based on known arrangements, separation distances, etc., such as separation distances D1, D2, D3, D12, D23, or D13 ( Figure 8 ). In this way, the system controller 390 can be configured to determine a relationship condition between the signals of the group received by the controllers 355A, 355B, 355C. For example, the system controller 390 can determine a dependency condition, wherein the group of first signals, the group of second signals, and the group of third signals are determined to correspond to a common electrical fault. In an alternative non-limiting example, the system controller 390 can determine an independent condition, wherein the group of first signals and the group of second signals are determined to correspond to separate electrical faults. In yet another non-limiting example, the system controller 390 can receive sensor signals directly from any or all of the first sensors 351A, 351B, 351C or the second sensors 352A, 352B, 352C. In yet another non-limiting example, the system controller 390 can be configured to controllably operate the node outputs of the PDS 30 based on the determined dependency condition or based on the determined independent condition.

[0113] Usually refer to Figure 1-9During operation, the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C may receive signals from the first sensor 51, 151, 251, 351A, 351B, 351C and the second sensor 52, 152, 252, 352A, 352B, 352C. As described above, the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C may be configured to determine the location of the electrical fault F in the electrical component, including the fault location 75, 175, 275, 375.

[0114] It is also contemplated that the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C may be controllably or communicatively coupled to any or all of the following: a node input 35, 135, 235, a node output 36, 136, 236, a data input 42, 142, 242, or a data output 44, 144, 244. For instance, in one non-limiting example, the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390 may be configured to monitor the operational state of the node output 36, 136, 236. Such monitoring data may be utilized by the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390 in combination with signals from the first sensor 51, 151, 251, 351A, 351B, 351C and the second sensor 52, 152, 252, 352A, 352B, 352C for signal confirmation, signal verification, signal merging, status reporting, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390 may be further configured to controllably operate the node output 36, 136, 236 based on such monitoring data and signals from the sensors 51, 52, 151, 152, 251, 252, 351A, 352A, 351B, 352B, 351C, 352C.

[0115] Further, the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390 may be controllably or communicatively coupled to another component, including, but not limited to, the second controller 45. For example, in some implementations, the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390 may be in signal communication with the second controller 45 and receive or provide signals, data, etc., including aircraft data or load data in some implementations. Such data may be utilized by the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390 in conjunction with signals from any of the sensors 51, 52, 151, 152, 251, 252, 351A, 352A, 351B, 352B, 351C, 352C to determine or enhance fault locations or diagnostic capabilities. For example, in one example of operation, the controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390 may determine a fault location in an electrical component, receive load data from a second controller 45 in an area of ​​the electrical component, receive operational status data of a node output 36, 136, 236 in an area of ​​the electrical component, and perform verification of the determined fault location based on either or both of the load data or the operational status data. Such verification may include confirming that a fault exists, confirming a fault location, determining or updating an error tolerance for the fault location, etc. The controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390 may also transmit a signal indicating the verification, such as a confidence interval or a probability percentage in some non-limiting examples.

[0116] Go to Fig.10 , a flow chart shows a method 400 for determining a location of an electrical fault in a component. The method 400 includes, at 402, in a controller module (e.g., controller 55, 155, 255, 355A, 355B, 355C, 390) having a processor and a machine-readable medium, receiving at least a first signal and a second signal from a first sensor and a second sensor, respectively, wherein the first signal and the second signal indicate an incident electromagnetic pulse due to an electrical fault in the component. The first sensor may include a first sensor 51, 151, 251, 351A, 351B, 351C. The second sensor may include a second sensor 52, 152, 252, 352A, 352B, 352C.

[0117] The method 400 also includes comparing, by the controller module at 404, the first signal and the second signal to determine a time delay, such as a time delay ΔT A , subsequent time delay ΔT B , the first cycle time interval ΔT1 or the second cycle time interval ΔT2, or the time delay ΔT A , subsequent time delay ΔT B, or comparison of any or all consecutive values ​​in the first cyclic time interval ΔT1 or the second cyclic time interval ΔT2.

[0118] The method 400 also includes determining, by the controller module at 406 , a fault location of the electrical fault in the component, such as the fault location 75 , 175 , 275 , 375 , based on the time delay.

[0119] Optionally, the method 400 may further include determining, by the controller, a signal modification of the filter to at least one of the first signal or the second signal as described above at 408. Optionally, the method 400 may further include confirming, by the controller, at 410, the determined fault location based on at least one of the subsequent first signal or the subsequent second signal as described above.

[0120] In addition to the aspects and configurations shown in the above figures, the present disclosure also contemplates many other possible aspects and configurations. The aspects disclosed herein provide a power distribution system and a fault detection system that can operate under dynamic load conditions, wherein multiple loads are connected and disconnected during operation. One technical effect is that the above aspects enable a power distribution system to dynamically distribute and control power to a large number of electrical loads. Another technical effect is that the above aspects enable a fault detection system to detect arc faults in electrical components and provide an indication of the location of the arc fault within the electrical component.

[0121] Aspects of the present disclosure provide several benefits. Determining the location of a fault within an assembly (including along one or more supply lines, bundles, or cables) provides for more targeted system operations compared to conventional AFD systems that only provide broad detection of arc flash events. For example, an operating circuit having an arc fault may still be selectively powered in a manner that avoids the location of the fault, e.g., a power controller may switchably disconnect the affected line or section while maintaining power supply to unaffected sections. Such fault location determination also provides for more targeted maintenance operations, reducing the time and cost involved in inspecting long cable run paths, etc.

[0122] In addition, aspects of the optical filter provide improved controller discrimination between sensor signals corresponding to arc flash events. For example, the optical filter can remove ambient radiation that travels end-to-end through the optical conductor, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and providing more reliable detection of incident EM pulses. Signal modification (e.g., sharpening, broadening, frequency shifting, etc.) by the optical filter provides additional improvements in controller discrimination between sensor signals for time delay or interval determination.

[0123] Still further, incorporating the fault detection system into existing power distribution system components (e.g., power distribution nodes) provides a reduction in network complexity with additional time savings or efficiency benefits for operation, configuration, or maintenance operations. In examples where the fault detection system is provided as a system isolated or separate from the PDS, such an arrangement can provide modular updating, configuration, or replacement of fault detection system components without affecting the existing PDS.

[0124] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

[0125] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0126] A fault detection system for detecting an electrical fault in a component, the fault detection system comprising: an optical conductor comprising a first end and a second end and configured to optically face the component; a first sensor and a second sensor operably coupled to the first end and the second end, respectively, and each sensor configured to detect electromagnetic (EM) radiation propagating within the optical conductor; and a controller module communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor; wherein, when an electrical fault in the component generates an incident EM pulse on the optical conductor, the controller module is configured to determine a fault location of the electrical fault in the component and provide an output indicative of the fault location.

[0127] A fault detection system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller module is further configured to: receive a first signal from the first sensor, the first signal indicating the incident EM pulse propagating through the optical conductor to the first end; receive a second signal from the second sensor, the second signal indicating the incident EM pulse propagating through the optical conductor to the second end; determine a time delay between the first signal and the second signal; and determine the fault location based on the time delay.

[0128] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the controller module is further configured to determine a pulse position of the incident EM pulse on the optical conductor based on the time delay.

[0129] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the component includes a supply line configured to connect a power source to an electrical load, and wherein the optical conductor is configured to extend in a direction at least partially aligned with the supply line.

[0130] A fault detection system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the fault location comprises at least one of: a single location or a range of locations along the supply line.

[0131] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, further comprising a bundle having a plurality of supply lines and having said supply lines.

[0132] A fault detection system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the fault location comprises an identification of the supply line of the plurality of supply lines having the electrical fault.

[0133] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the optical conductor, the first sensor, the second sensor and the controller module collectively define a fault detection module.

[0134] A fault detection system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the fault detection system comprises a plurality of fault detection modules, each fault detection module being configured to determine a fault location of an electrical fault in a corresponding plurality of supply lines.

[0135] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, further comprising a system controller module in signal communication with the plurality of fault detection modules.

[0136] A fault detection system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the system controller module is configured to: receive a set of first signals from a first fault detection module, the set of first signals indicating an incident EM pulse on a first optical conductor; receive a set of second signals from a second fault detection module, the set of second signals indicating an EM pulse on a second optical conductor; compare the set of first signals with the set of second signals; and determine a relationship between the set of first signals and the set of second signals based on the comparison.

[0137] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the relationship comprises a dependency condition, wherein the set of first signals and the set of second signals correspond to a common electrical fault.

[0138] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the relationship comprises an independent condition, wherein the set of first signals and the set of second signals correspond to separate electrical faults.

[0139] The fault detection system of any preceding clause, further comprising at least one optical filter operably coupled to the optical conductor and configured to filter EM waves transmitted through the optical conductor between the first end and the second end.

[0140] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the at least one optical filter comprises at least one of: a bandpass filter coupled to the optical conductor at a position between the first end and the second end, a fiber Bragg grating extending along at least a first portion of the optical conductor, or an optical coating on at least a second portion of the optical conductor.

[0141] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the optical conductor comprises a fiber optic cable configured to form a loop around at least a portion of the assembly.

[0142] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the output includes at least one of a visual output, an audio output, a display output, a tactile output, a textual log entry, or a maintenance request.

[0143] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first sensor or the second sensor comprises an ultraviolet sensor.

[0144] A fault detection system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the controller module is further configured to determine a signal modification of at least one of the first signal or the second signal by the optical filter.

[0145] A power distribution system for supplying electrical power to at least one electrical load, comprising: a power distribution node, comprising a node input configured to receive electrical power from at least one power source, and a node output configured to provide electrical power; a supply line, electrically coupled to the node output and configured to supply electrical power from the node output to the at least one electrical load; and a fault detection system, comprising: an optical conductor, comprising a first end and a second end, and extending in a direction at least partially aligned with the supply line; and a first sensor operably coupled to the first end and a second sensor operably coupled to the second end, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are each configured to detect electromagnetic (EM) radiation within the optical conductor; and a controller module communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor; wherein when an electrical fault in the supply line generates an incident EM pulse on the optical conductor, the controller module is configured to determine a fault location of the electrical fault in the supply line and provide an output indicative of the fault location.

[0146] A power distribution system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller module is further configured to: receive a first signal from the first sensor, the first signal indicating the incident EM pulse propagating through the optical conductor to the first end; receive a second signal from the second sensor, the second signal indicating the incident EM pulse propagating through the optical conductor to the second end; determine a time delay between the first signal and the second signal; and determine the fault location based on the time delay.

[0147] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, further comprising a bundle having a plurality of supply lines and having said supply lines, wherein said fault location comprises an identification of said supply line in said bundle having said electrical fault.

[0148] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the optical conductor, the first sensor, the second sensor and the controller module collectively define a fault detection module.

[0149] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the fault detection system comprises a plurality of fault detection modules, each fault detection module being configured to determine a fault location of an electrical fault in a corresponding plurality of supply lines.

[0150] A power distribution system as described in any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a system controller module in signal communication with the plurality of fault detection modules, wherein the system controller module is configured to: receive a set of first signals indicating an incident EM pulse on a first optical conductor from a first fault detection module; receive a set of second signals indicating an EM pulse on a second optical conductor from a second fault detection module; compare the set of first signals with the set of second signals; and determine a relationship between the set of first signals and the set of second signals based on the comparison.

[0151] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the relationship includes a dependency condition, wherein the set of first signals and the set of second signals correspond to a common electrical fault.

[0152] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the relationship comprises an independent condition, wherein the set of first signals and the set of second signals correspond to separate electrical faults.

[0153] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the output includes at least one of a visual output, an audio output, a display output, a tactile output, a textual log entry, or a maintenance request.

[0154] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, further comprising a power controller configured to controllably operate a node output to selectively supply power to the at least one electrical load based on the output.

[0155] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the power controller comprises a controller module.

[0156] The power distribution system of any preceding clause, further comprising an optical filter operably coupled to the optical conductor and configured to filter EM waves transmitted through the optical conductor between the first end and the second end.

[0157] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the controller module is further configured to determine a signal modification of at least one of the first signal or the second signal by the optical filter.

[0158] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the optical conductor comprises a fiber optic cable configured to form a loop around at least a portion of the supply line.

[0159] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor comprises an ultraviolet sensor.

[0160] A power distribution system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the controller module is further configured to determine a signal modification of at least one of the first signal or the second signal by the optical filter.

[0161] A method for determining a location of an electrical fault in a component, the method comprising: in a controller module having a processor and a machine-readable medium, receiving at least a first signal and a second signal from a first sensor and a second sensor, respectively, wherein the first signal and the second signal indicate an incident electromagnetic pulse caused by the electrical fault in the component; comparing the first signal and the second signal by the controller module to determine a time delay; and determining, by the controller module, a fault location of the electrical fault in the component based on the time delay.

[0162] The method of any preceding clause, further comprising an optical conductor operably coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the electrical fault generates the incident electromagnetic pulse on the optical conductor.

[0163] The method as described in any of the preceding clauses also includes receiving a subsequent first signal from the first sensor in the controller module; comparing the subsequent first signal with the first signal by the controller module to determine a subsequent time delay; and confirming the fault location by the controller module based on the subsequent time delay.

[0164] The method as described in any of the preceding clauses also includes receiving a subsequent second signal from the first sensor in the controller module; comparing the subsequent second signal with the second signal by the controller module to determine a subsequent time delay; and confirming the fault location by the controller module based on the subsequent time delay.

[0165] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein each of the first signal and the second signal comprises a voltage waveform.

[0166] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein comparing the first signal and the second signal comprises comparing at least one signal characteristic of the first signal and the second signal.

[0167] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein comparing the first signal and the subsequent first signal comprises comparing at least one signal characteristic of the first signal and the subsequent first signal.

[0168] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein comparing the second signal and the subsequent second signal comprises comparing at least one signal characteristic of the second signal and the subsequent second signal.

[0169] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the at least one signal characteristic comprises at least one of amplitude, full width at half maximum (FWHM) value, waveform, or phase.

[0170] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising confirming, by the controller, a determined fault location based on at least one of the subsequent first signal or the subsequent second signal.

[0171] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising forming a modified signal characteristic for at least one of the first signal or the second signal via an optical filter.

[0172] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising determining, by the controller, a signal modification of at least one of the first signal or the second signal by the filter.

[0173] The method of any preceding clause, wherein the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller module at least partially define a fault detection module.

[0174] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising a plurality of fault detection modules, each fault detection module being configured to determine a fault location of an electrical fault in a corresponding plurality of components.

[0175] The method as described in any of the preceding clauses also includes: receiving a set of first signals by the controller module from a first fault detection module, the set of first signals indicating an incident EM pulse on a first optical conductor; receiving a set of second signals by the controller module from a second fault detection module, the set of second signals indicating an EM pulse on a second optical conductor; comparing the set of first signals with the set of second signals; and determining a relationship between the set of first signals and the set of second signals based on the comparison.

[0176] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the relationship comprises a dependency condition, wherein the set of first signals and the set of second signals correspond to a common electrical fault.

[0177] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the relationship comprises an independent condition, wherein the set of first signals and the set of second signals correspond to separate electrical faults.

Claims

1. A fault detection system for detecting an electrical fault in a component, the fault detection system comprising: an optical conductor including a first end and a second end and configured to optically face the component; a first sensor and a second sensor operably coupled to the first end and the second end, respectively, each of the first sensor and the second sensor being configured to detect electromagnetic (EM) radiation propagating within the optical conductor; as well as a controller module communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor; Wherein, when an electrical fault in the component generates an incident EM pulse on the optical conductor, the controller module is configured to determine a fault location of the electrical fault in the component and provide an output indicative of the fault location.

2. The fault detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller module is also configured to: receiving a first signal from the first sensor, the first signal being indicative of the incident EM pulse propagating through the optical conductor toward the first end; receiving a second signal from the second sensor, the second signal being indicative of the incident EM pulse propagating through the optical conductor toward the second end; determining a time delay between the first signal and the second signal; as well as The fault location is determined based on the time delay.

3. The fault detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The assembly includes a supply line configured to connect a power source to an electrical load, and wherein the optical conductor is configured to extend in a direction at least partially aligned with the supply line.

4. The fault detection system according to claim 3, wherein: The fault location comprises at least one of: a single location or a range of locations along the supply line. 5 . The fault detection system of claim 4 , further comprising a bundle having a plurality of supply lines and having the supply lines.

6. The fault detection system according to claim 5, wherein: The fault location includes an identification of the supply line of the plurality of supply lines having the electrical fault.

7. The fault detection system according to claim 1, wherein: The optical conductor, the first sensor, the second sensor and the controller module collectively define a fault detection module, and wherein the fault detection system includes a plurality of fault detection modules, each fault detection module being configured to determine a fault location of an electrical fault in a corresponding plurality of supply lines.

8. The fault detection system of claim 7, further comprising a system controller module in signal communication with the plurality of fault detection modules, wherein the system controller module is configured to: receiving a set of first signals indicative of incident EM pulses on a first optical conductor from a first fault detection module; receiving a set of second signals indicative of EM pulses on a second optical conductor from a second fault detection module; comparing the set of first signals to the set of second signals; as well as A relationship between the set of first signals and the set of second signals is determined based on the comparison.

9. The fault detection system of claim 1, further comprising at least one optical filter operably coupled to the optical conductor and configured to filter EM waves transmitted through the optical conductor between the first end and the second end.

10. The fault detection system according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one optical filter comprises at least one of: a bandpass filter coupled to the optical conductor at a location between the first end and the second end, a fiber Bragg grating extending along at least a first portion of the optical conductor, or An optical coating on at least a second portion of the optical conductor.

Images