Electrical distribution system for an aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical distribution system (1) for at least two separate electrical generators (3) of an aircraft (5), the electrical distribution system (1) comprising: at least two supply branches (7), a connection node (9), the connection node (9) also having a connection system (11) intended for the connection of consumer electrical devices (13), at least two breaker devices (15), each breaker device (15) comprising a contactor (17) provided in a corresponding supply branch (7), a measuring system (19) for measuring a physical quantity, and a decision member (21) configured to make the contactor (17) switch from a closed configuration to a non-closed configuration when the measurement of the physical quantity satisfies a condition representative of an electrical energy-consuming state of the corresponding electrical generator (3).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Aircraft Electrical Distribution System

[0003] Scope of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an electrical distribution system for aircraft.

[0005] Previous art

[0006] It is known that aircraft can have several electrical generators. These can include a generator designed to produce a voltage source from the rotation of a turbojet engine's turbine, one or more batteries integrated into the aircraft, or a fuel cell.

[0007] Having multiple electrical generators necessitates power distribution to all the aircraft's electrical systems. The principle is to distribute the load among the electrical generators.

[0008] To do this, it is common to connect the plurality of electrical generators to a connection node which is itself connected to the electrical consuming devices.

[0009] Typically, electrical generators are high-voltage direct current (HVDC) sources connected in parallel to the connection node. Thus, each electrical generator has a corresponding power supply branch connected to the connection node.

[0010] The electrical consumer devices are connected in parallel to the connection node, each by a corresponding consumption branch.

[0011] This arrangement is satisfactory in that each electrical generator is used to power the various electrical consuming devices.

[0012] However, it is necessary to provide a disconnecting device for each electrical generator, said disconnecting device being adapted to disconnect said electrical generator from the connection node.

[0013] Indeed, in the event of a malfunction of an electric generator, that is to say when it does not produce the current initially intended or when it ceases to function, there is a risk that the other electric generators will supply their current to the faulty electric generator by reversing the direction of the current in the corresponding supply branch.

[0014] To avoid this situation, one possibility is to include in each power supply branch a blocking diode arranged to allow current to flow from the electric generator to the connection node and prevent reverse flow.

[0015] However, this solution is not ideal for several reasons. First, this type of blocking diode has a certain size and weight that are incompatible with the constraints of the aeronautical field. Indeed, this type of blocking diode was developed without these constraints because it is usually used on the ground in an industrial context.

[0016] Furthermore, the failure scenario under consideration necessitates oversizing the blocking diodes to ensure short-circuit withstand. Finally, the heat dissipation of these blocking diodes presents cooling and integration challenges.

[0017] Also, the operation of the anti-reverse diodes cannot be controlled because they operate autonomously.

[0018] The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0019] Description of the invention

[0020] To this end, the present invention relates to an electrical distribution system for at least two separate electrical generators of an aircraft, the electrical distribution system comprising: at least two supply branches, each supply branch being configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical generator, a connection node configured to be connected to the at least two supply branches, the at least two supply branches being connected in parallel, the connection node also having connectors for connecting electrical consumer devices, at least two disconnecting devices, each disconnecting device comprising a contactor provided in a corresponding supply branch, a system for measuring a physical quantity,the measurement system being adapted to measure a value relative to a state of electrical energy supplier or electrical energy consumer of the corresponding electrical generator, and, a decision-making body configured to switch the contactor from a conducting configuration to a non-conducting configuration when said measurement of the physical quantity verifies a condition representative of a state of electrical energy consumer of the corresponding electrical generator.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the measurement system comprises a sensor or, alternatively, several sensors or measuring devices. Indeed, depending on the physical quantity to be measured, a single sensor may not be sufficient.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the physical quantity is an electric current in the corresponding supply branch and the measuring system is adapted to measure a value relative to the intensity and direction of the current in said supply branch, and, the decision-making body is configured to switch the contactor from a conducting configuration to a non-conducting configuration when the intensity is outside a defined range of values ​​and / or if the direction of the current is directed from the connection node to the corresponding electric generator.

[0023] The electrical distribution system thus ensures the continuity of electrical distribution from the connection node to the electrical consuming devices.

[0024] Indeed, if a malfunction is detected in one of the power supply branches, it is disconnected and the electrical distribution system continues to operate by placing greater demands on the other functional electrical generators.

[0025] This prevents energy from functional electrical generators from being redirected to the non-functional power supply branch.

[0026] This reverse anti-circulation function is advantageously achieved by the disconnecting device since, unlike a reverse anti-reverse diode, significant thermal dissipation is avoided, typically on the order of a few hundred watts in the case of high voltage direct current or HVDC sources.

[0027] Since the circuit breaker devices have current and / or voltage measurements, this anti-reverse function can be implemented without adding additional components.

[0028] It should also be noted that the distribution system can be implemented for any type of electrical generator across voltage ranges, the operating principle remaining the same.

[0029] Furthermore, the disconnecting device allows for finer control of the disconnection timing, as it detects not only reverse current but also currents outside the intended operating range. According to one aspect of the invention, the connection node can be implemented using an interconnecting conductor busbar, interconnected conductor cables, or a power printed circuit board. In particular, the connection node is an interconnecting conductor busbar in the form of a busbar. The term "busbar" is equivalent to "bus bar" or "bus bus" and, according to the definition given by the International Electrotechnical Commission, designates a low-impedance conductor to which several electrical circuits can be connected at separate points.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, each disconnecting device further comprises a protection component configured to be triggered by the decision-making body at the same time as the contactor changes from the conducting configuration to the non-conducting configuration.

[0031] The protective component is an additional safety element, specifically a controllable element, which can facilitate disconnection of the power supply branch. The protective component can be connected in series with the contactor. The protective component is, for example, a pyroswitch.

[0032] Thus, the pyroswitch can be used in cases where the breaking capacity of the contactor is insufficient or where the speed of protection is preferred.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the decision-making body is configured to, at a determined interval: acquire the value relating to the intensity and direction of the current in said corresponding supply branch from the current measurement system, then to determine whether said intensity is outside the defined range of values ​​and / or whether the direction of the current is directed from the connection node to the corresponding electrical generator, then to proceed to open the corresponding contactor, the decision-making body being connected to the contactor and being able to emit an opening signal to the corresponding contactor.

[0034] It thus appears that the decision-making body acts when at least one of the two malfunction criteria is detected. Furthermore, detection is carried out at regular intervals to ensure a timely response for the proper functioning of the electrical distribution system. The circuit breaker function is therefore achieved without the addition of any extra power components compared to a distribution system without a reverse current blocking element.

[0035] In general, in this type of aircraft installation, contactors associated with electrical generators are necessary, even without reverse current blocking, for switching and isolating voltage sources and are included by default in the architectural diagram. Indeed, depending on the electrical load demanded by the electrical devices, it is necessary to provide more or fewer electrical generators.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, when said intensity is outside the defined range of values ​​and / or when the direction of the current is directed from the connection node to the corresponding electrical generator, the decision-making body is configured to generate a request to open the corresponding contactor, before proceeding to open the corresponding contactor, the decision-making body being configured to validate this request to open and proceed to open in the absence of reverse instructions from a control interface of the decision-making body.

[0037] The presence of a control interface makes it possible to force the operation of the decision-making body, in particular if circumstances make it necessary to close a contactor when an opening request is generated.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the control interface of the decision-making body is configured to receive from a central aircraft control system an opening order or a closing order for the corresponding contactor, said opening order or closing order having priority over the opening request generated by the decision-making body.

[0039] This arrangement allows for direct control of the contactor's opening and closing from the aircraft's central control system. Therefore, it is possible to connect only a certain number of electrical generators, depending on the number and load required by the electrically consuming devices.

[0040] This arrangement also allows for the recharging of a battery that is normally used as a generator. In this case, rather than opening the contactor, a command to close the contactor is issued so that current flows to the battery and recharges it.

[0041] It is also possible to start a heat engine, such as a turbojet, commonly used as a power source, by this reverse forced current flow. According to one aspect of the invention, the defined range of intensity values ​​corresponds to a defined threshold between a low and a high intensity value, the intensity being outside the defined range when the measured value is below the low value or above the high value for a predetermined duration.

[0042] Measuring intensity and defining a low value and a high value as well as a predetermined duration contributes to the reliability of the distribution system since the disconnection of a power branch only occurs when circumstances require it and not untimely.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the decision-making body comprises a programmable logic controller; the range of defined values ​​and / or the direction of the current from the corresponding electric generator to the connection node being able to be parameterized in the programmable logic controller.

[0044] Having a programmable logic controller (PLC) is advantageous because it is possible to fine-tune the defined range of values ​​to disconnect an electrical generator that is not working as expected as soon as possible.

[0045] Similarly, by defining the direction of the current in normal operation, any counter-current flow is detected.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the programmable logic controller (PLC) is a microcontroller. Preferably, the PLC is configured to allow setting the low and high values ​​of the expected intensity.

[0047] Similarly, it is possible to set the interval determined between two current measurements and the predetermined duration during which a value measured outside the range of value or according to a reverse current calls for an opening of the contactor.

[0048] It should be noted that the circuit breaker tripping sequence during line current reversal has a response time that depends on the measurement processing time, the decision time, and the contactor opening response time; the overall time is approximately 30 ms. The parameter settings can therefore be configured accordingly.

[0049] This time is acceptable in most cases of overload or short circuit as long as it does not contribute to heating of the cables or propagation of the fault outside the electrical generator.

[0050] As an alternative to using a programmable logic controller (PLC), the decision-making unit can be implemented using discrete components that perform the same functions and are selected to define the desired parameters. Alternatively, the physical quantity is a potential difference between the contactor terminals, and the measurement system is adapted to measure the electrical potential difference between an upstream terminal of the contactor (on the generator side) and a downstream terminal (on the connection node side). The decision-making unit is configured to open the contactor when the potential difference falls below a target value.

[0051] This provision allows the same operation as using intensity to determine whether the electrical generator in question is a supplier of electrical energy or a consumer of electrical energy.

[0052] This measurement of the potential difference between the terminals of the contactor is indeed a measurement of a physical quantity representative of an energy-consuming or energy-supplying characteristic of the electrical generator.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, a comparator constitutes the measurement system and the decision-making body, the comparator being in particular an operational amplifier.

[0054] The comparator includes inputs connected to the terminals of the contactor associated with the electrical generator in question, and an output used to automatically control the contactor, enabling, in particular, the automatic disconnection of the electrical generator to prevent it from becoming an energy consumer. More specifically, the operational amplifier has a positive input connected to the upstream terminal of the contactor, on the electrical generator side, and a negative input of the operational amplifier connected to a downstream terminal of the contactor, on the connection node side.

[0055] A comparator with two thresholds or hysteresis, also known as a Schmitt trigger, is preferred. This avoids a phenomenon of multiple switching of the comparator output, which is particularly detrimental to the lifespan of the electromechanical contactor.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, each circuit breaker and corresponding contactor are contained in the same housing of the electrical distribution system.

[0057] This design allows for easy installation of the circuit breaker, as it is integrated into the same housing as the corresponding contactor. The protective component can also be contained within this housing.

[0058] The present invention also relates to a method of using the distribution system according to the characteristics listed above. The present invention also relates to an aircraft electrical power supply system comprising at least two electrical generators, the electrical generators being voltage sources, and an electrical distribution system as described above, each power branch being connected to a corresponding electrical generator.

[0059] Electric generators are sources of voltage. Furthermore, electric generators are designed to provide direct current voltage.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the voltage sources may have identical or different voltages. Furthermore, the currents flowing through each power supply branch may be identical or different.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the electric generators can be a turbine generator, a battery, a fuel cell or any other type of electric generator suitable for aircraft.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical power supply system further comprises at least one electrical consuming device arranged to be connected to the connection of the connection node.

[0063] Ideally, the connectors are configured to be connected to a variety of electrical devices. This allows for the inclusion of numerous electrical devices representing different electrical loads.

[0064] This architecture, with its connection node for implementing a distributed network in aeronautics, ensures that current flows to the electrical power-consuming devices. Examples of electrical power-consuming devices include propeller drives, electric motors, power converters, inverters, and any other electrical power-consuming device suitable for an aircraft.

[0065] The present invention further relates to an aircraft comprising an electrical power supply system as described above.

[0066] The various aspects defined above, which are not incompatible, can be combined.

[0067] Brief description of the figures

[0068] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description set forth below in relation to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] [Fig. 1] is a diagram of an aircraft electrical supply system. [Fig. 2] is a diagram of a decision-making body in an electrical distribution system.

[0070] [Fig. 3] is a diagram of the electricity supply system according to an alternative.

[0071] Description with reference to the figures

[0072] In the detailed description that will follow of the figures defined above, the same elements or elements fulfilling identical functions may retain the same references in order to simplify the understanding of the invention.

[0073] Figure 1 shows an electrical distribution system 1 for two separate electrical generators 3 of an aircraft 5.

[0074] The electrical distribution system 1 comprises two supply branches 7, each supply branch 7 being configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical generator 3.

[0075] The electrical distribution system 1 includes a connection node 9 configured to be connected to the two supply branches 7, the two supply branches 7 being connected in parallel.

[0076] The connection node 9 also has a connector 11 intended for the connection of two electrical consumer devices 13.

[0077] The electrical distribution system 1 includes two disconnecting devices 15, each disconnecting device 15 comprising a contactor 17 provided in a corresponding supply branch 7.

[0078] The disconnecting device 15 includes a current measurement system 19 adapted to measure a value relating to the intensity and direction of the current in said corresponding supply branch 7.

[0079] More generally, it is a measurement system 19 of a physical quantity, the measurement system 19 being adapted to measure a value relative to a state of electrical energy supplier or electrical energy consumer of the corresponding electrical generator 3.

[0080] Finally, the disconnecting device 15 includes a decision element 21 configured to switch the contactor 17 from a conducting to a non-conducting configuration when the current is outside a defined range and / or if the current direction is from the connection node 9 to the corresponding electrical generator 3. More generally, this is also a decision element 21 configured to switch the contactor 17 from a conducting to a non-conducting configuration when the measurement of the physical quantity meets a condition representative of an electrical energy consumption state of the corresponding electrical generator 3.

[0081] The electrical distribution system 1 thus ensures the continuity of electrical distribution from the connection node 9 to the electrical consumer devices 13.

[0082] Indeed, if a malfunction is detected in one of the power supply branches 7, it is disconnected and the electrical distribution system 1 continues to operate, placing more strain on the other functional electrical generators 3.

[0083] This prevents the energy from the functional electrical generators 3 from being redirected to the non-functional power supply branch 7.

[0084] This reverse anti-circulation function is advantageously achieved by the disjunction device 15 since, unlike a reverse anti-reverse diode, significant thermal dissipation is avoided, typically on the order of a few hundred watts in the case of high voltage direct current or HVDC sources used in aeronautics.

[0085] Connection node 9 is a busbar. A busbar is a type of interconnection busbar. The interconnection conductor busbar can be a busbar; however, it can also be a terminal block or an equipotential bonding point.

[0086] The term "busbar" is equivalent to the terms "bus bar" or "bus bar", and according to the definition given by the International Electronic Commission, designates a low impedance conductor to which several electrical circuits can be connected at separate points.

[0087] Alternatively, the connection node 9 can be achieved using interconnected conductive cables or a power printed circuit board.

[0088] Each disconnecting device 15 may optionally include further a protection component, not shown here, configured to be triggered by the decision-making body 21 at the same time as the contactor 17 changes from the conducting configuration to the non-conducting configuration.

[0089] The protective component is an additional safety element that can facilitate the disconnection of the supply branch 7. The protective component can be connected in series with the contactor 17. The protective component is, for example, of the pyroswitch type.

[0090] Thus, the pyroswitch can be used in cases where the breaking capacity of the contactor is insufficient or where the speed of protection is preferred.

[0091] As illustrated in Figure 2, the decision-making body 21 is configured to, at a predetermined interval:

[0092] (a) acquire the value relating to the intensity and direction of the current in the corresponding supply branch 7 from the current measuring system 19, then to

[0093] (b) determine whether said intensity is outside the defined range of values ​​(bl) and / or whether the direction of the current is directed from the connection node 9 to the corresponding electrical generator 3 (b2), then to

[0094] (c) proceed to open the corresponding contactor 17, the decision-making body 21 being connected to the contactor 17 and being able to emit an opening signal 23 to the corresponding contactor.

[0095] It thus appears that the decision-making body 21 acts when at least one of the two malfunction criteria is detected. Furthermore, detection is carried out at regular intervals so as to react within a timeframe acceptable for the proper functioning of the electrical distribution system 1.

[0096] When said intensity is outside the defined range of values ​​and / or when the direction of the current is directed from the connection node 9 to the corresponding electric generator 3, the decision body 21 is configured to, (b') generate a request to open the corresponding contactor 17, before proceeding to open the corresponding contactor 17.

[0097] In this case, the decision body 21 is configured to validate this opening request (b') and proceed with the opening (c) in the absence of reverse instructions from a control interface 25 of the decision body 21.

[0098] The presence of a control interface 25 makes it possible to force the operation of the decision body 21, in particular if circumstances make it necessary to close a contactor 17 when an opening request is generated.

[0099] In this text, it is assumed that contactor 17 is in the forward-biased configuration by default and that opening can be commanded to switch to the non-forward configuration. It is understood that the opening and closing of contactor 17 are controlled either by the transmission of a signal from the decision-making unit 21 or by interruption of the signal, depending on the wiring configuration.

[0100] The control interface 25 of the decision body 21 is configured to receive from a central aircraft control system 5 an opening order 29a or a closing order 29b of the corresponding contactor 17, said opening order 29a or closing order 29b having priority over the opening request (b') generated by the decision body 21.

[0101] This arrangement allows for direct control of the opening and closing of the contactor 17 from the central aircraft control system Tl 5. Thus, it is possible to connect only a certain number of electrical generators 3 according to the number and load required by the electrical consumption devices 13.

[0102] This arrangement also allows a battery to be recharged which is usually used as an electric generator 3. In this case, rather than opening the contactor 17, a closing order 29b of the contactor 17 is issued so that the current flows towards the battery and recharges it.

[0103] It is also possible to start a heat engine such as a turbojet, usually used as a power source, by this reverse circulation of the forced current.

[0104] The defined range of intensity values ​​corresponds to a defined threshold between a low value and a high value of intensity, the intensity being outside the defined range when the measured value is lower than the low value or higher than the high value for a predetermined duration.

[0105] The decision-making body 21 includes a programmable logic controller capable of performing the functions mentioned above; the range of defined values ​​and / or the direction of the current from the corresponding electric generator 3 to the connection node 9 being capable of being parameterized in the programmable logic controller.

[0106] Having a programmable logic controller is advantageous because it is possible to fine-tune the defined range of values ​​to disconnect an electrical generator 3 that is not working as expected as soon as possible.

[0107] Similarly, by defining the direction of the current in normal operation, any counter-current flow is detected.

[0108] The programmable logic controller (PLC) is a microcontroller configured to allow setting the low and high values ​​of the expected intensity.

[0109] Similarly, it is possible to set the interval determined between two current measurements and the predetermined duration during which a value measured outside the range of value or according to a reverse current calls for an opening of the contactor.

[0110] It should be noted that the circuit breaker tripping sequence during line current reversal has a response time that depends on the measurement processing time, the decision time, and the response time to the opening of contactor 17; the overall time is approximately 30 ms. The parameter settings can therefore be configured accordingly.

[0111] This time is acceptable in most cases of overload or short circuit as long as it does not contribute to heating of the cables or propagation of the fault outside the electrical generator.

[0112] The use of current as a physical quantity to be monitored, representing a state of the electrical generator, consumer, or supplier, was described above. As illustrated in Figure 3, the physical quantity to be monitored can also be the potential difference between the terminals of each contactor 17.

[0113] According to this alternative, the measuring system 19 is adapted to measure and follow a potential difference between an upstream terminal, on the electric generator side 3 and a downstream terminal, on the connection node side 9 of the corresponding contactor 17, the decision body 21 being configured to open the corresponding contactor 17 when the potential difference, equal to the upstream potential (of the upstream terminal) minus the downstream potential (of the downstream terminal) is less than a target value.

[0114] Here, the measurement system 19 and the decision body 21 are constituted by a comparator, the comparator being an operational amplifier.

[0115] To avoid multiple switching events at the comparator output, which are particularly detrimental to the lifespan of the electromechanical contactor 17, a comparator with two thresholds or hysteresis, also known as a Schmitt trigger, is preferred, as symbolically illustrated in Figure 3. This provides two switching thresholds, for example, symmetrical ones defined around a setpoint value. Symmetry is not mandatory (asymmetry occurs when the delta value is not the same during opening and closing), but it is commonly used.

[0116] Thus, a delta value must be crossed above the setpoint value to trigger the closing of contactor 17. And a delta value must be crossed below the setpoint value to then trigger the opening of contactor 17, this value below the setpoint value being the target value mentioned above.

[0117] In other words, if the difference between the upstream electrical potential minus the downstream electrical potential is greater than the setpoint value plus the delta value, corresponding to a state of energy supply of the electric generator 3, the comparator output controls the closing of the electromechanical contactor 17.

[0118] Conversely, if the difference between the upstream electrical potential less the downstream electrical potential is less than the setpoint value less the delta value, corresponding to the detection of a consumer state of the electric generator 3, of energy generator, the comparator output controls the opening of the electromechanical contactor 17.

[0119] The delta value defines a "dead" band around the setpoint value, which helps to avoid a multi-switching phenomenon of the comparator output.

[0120] The operational amplifier includes a positive input, connected to the upstream terminal of the contactor 17, on the side of the electric generator 3, and a negative input connected to the downstream terminal of the contactor 17, on the side of the connection node 9, and an output which delivers a binary signal, applicable directly as a control signal for the contactor 17. In particular, the comparator output allows the electric generator 3 to be automatically disconnected by the opening command of the contactor, to prevent the generator from becoming an electrical energy consumer, when the corresponding condition is met.

[0121] In more detail, a voltage delta value must exceed (positively) a setpoint value for the comparator output to switch and close the contactor; and a voltage delta value must fall below (negatively) the setpoint value for the comparator output to switch and open the contactor. Thus, the contactor's opening or closing action depends on a specific condition on the physical quantity observed by the comparator. The target value corresponds to the setpoint value minus the delta value used.The closing control condition associated with the state of the electrical generator, in its power supply role, is as follows: if the potential difference between the upstream and downstream terminals of the contactor, i.e., the upstream potential minus the downstream electrical potential, is greater than the setpoint value plus the delta value, the comparator output switches to a first binary state and controls the closing of the electromechanical contactor. The electrical generator is indeed a power supply.

[0122] The opening control condition associated with the electrical generator's energy-consuming state is as follows: if the potential difference between the upstream and downstream terminals of the contactor (i.e., the upstream potential minus the downstream potential) is less than the setpoint minus the delta value, the comparator output switches to a second binary state and triggers the opening of the electromechanical contactor. In this case, the comparator has detected that the electrical generator is consuming electrical energy.

[0123] The delta value defines a "dead" band around the comparator's setpoint value, which eliminates the phenomenon of multiple switching of the comparator around the setpoint value.

[0124] In other words, the opening or supply command of the contactor is based on the observation of a potential difference, equal to the upstream potential (of the upstream terminal) minus the downstream potential (of the downstream terminal), respectively lower or higher than a setpoint (comparison) value, up to a tripping threshold.

[0125] In practice, the determination of the setpoint value and the dead band (delta value) are defined according to the characteristics of the application, by any technique known to the person skilled in the art.

[0126] Regarding both alternatives, each circuit breaker 15 and corresponding contactor 17 are contained in the same housing of the electrical distribution system 1.

[0127] This arrangement allows for simple installation of the circuit breaker 15, as it is integrated into the same housing as the corresponding contactor 17. The protective component can also be contained within this housing.

[0128] We thus define an electrical power supply system 31 for aircraft s comprising two electrical generators 3, the electrical generators 3 being voltage sources, and a distribution system 1 as described above, each supply branch 7 being connected to a corresponding electrical generator 3.

[0129] Furthermore, the 3 electric generators are adapted to provide a direct current voltage.

[0130] The voltage sources may have identical or different voltages. Furthermore, the currents flowing through each branch of the power supply 7 may be identical or different.

[0131] The electrical generators 3 can be a turbine generator, a battery, a fuel cell, or any other type of electrical generator 3 suitable for aircraft. The electrical power supply system 31 further includes two electrical consumer devices 13 arranged to be connected to the connector 11 of the connection node 9.

[0132] The connector 11 is configured to be connected to a plurality of electrical consumer devices 13. It is therefore possible to provide for a multitude of electrical consumer devices 13 representing different electrical loads.

[0133] This architecture with the connection node 9 for the implementation of a distributed network in aeronautics means that the current is directed towards the electrical consumer devices 13. The electrical consumer devices 13 are for example a propeller drive system, an electric motor, a power converter, an inverter, or any other electrical consumer device 13 suitable for an aircraft 5.

[0134] The 15 disconnection device described above is advantageous because it allows fine control of the disconnection time, because not only is a reverse current detected but also the fact that the current is outside the intended operating range.

[0135] The disconnection function is also achieved without the addition of extra power components compared to a distribution system without reverse current blocking elements.

[0136] In general, in this type of aircraft installation 5, contactors 17 associated with electrical generators 3 are necessary, even without reverse current blocking elements, for switching and isolating voltage sources and are included by default in the architectural diagram. Indeed, depending on the electrical load demanded by the electrical devices, it is necessary to provide more or fewer electrical generators 3.

[0137] As can be understood, the invention is not limited to the single form of execution described above by way of example, but rather encompasses all variants of its realization.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Electrical distribution system (1) for at least two separate electrical generators (3) of an aircraft (5), the electrical distribution system (1) comprising: at least two supply branches (7), each supply branch (7) being configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical generator (3), a connection node (9) configured to be connected to at least two supply branches (7), the at least two supply branches (7) being connected in parallel, the connection node (9) also having a connection (11) for the connection of electrical consumer devices (13), at least two disconnecting devices (15), each disconnecting device (15) comprising a contactor (17) provided in a corresponding supply branch (7), a measuring system (19) for a physical quantity,the measuring system (19) being adapted to measure a value relating to a state of electrical energy supply or electrical energy consumption of the corresponding electrical generator (3), and, a decision-making body (21) configured to switch the contactor (17) from a conducting configuration to a non-conducting configuration so as to disconnect said supply branch (7) when said measurement of the physical quantity satisfies a condition representative of a state of electrical energy consumption of the corresponding electrical generator (3).

2. Electrical distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the measuring system (19) is adapted to measure a value relating to the intensity and direction of the current in said corresponding supply branch (7), and, the decision-making body (21) is configured to switch the contactor (17) from a conducting configuration to a non-conducting configuration when the intensity is outside a defined range of values ​​and / or if the direction of the current is directed from the connection node (9) to the corresponding electrical generator (3).

3. Electrical distribution system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the decision-making body (21) is configured to, at predetermined intervals: (a) acquire the value relating to the intensity and direction of the current in said corresponding supply branch (7) from the current measuring system (19), and then to (b) determine whether said intensity is outside the defined range of values ​​(bl) and / or whether the direction of the current is directed from the connection node (9) to the corresponding electrical generator (3) (b2), then to (c) proceed to open the corresponding contactor (17), the decision-making body (21) being connected to the contactor (17) and being able to emit an opening signal (23) to the corresponding contactor (17).

4. Electrical distribution system (1) according to claim 3, wherein when said intensity is outside the defined range of values ​​and / or when the direction of the current is directed from the connection node (9) to the corresponding electrical generator (3), the decision-making unit (21) is configured to, (b') generate a request to open the corresponding contactor (17), before (c) proceeding to open the corresponding contactor (17), the decision-making unit (21) being configured to validate this request to open and proceed to open in the absence of reverse instructions from a control interface (25) of the decision-making unit (21).

5. Electrical distribution system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the control interface (25) of the decision-making body (21) is configured to receive from a central aircraft control system (27) an opening order (29a) or a closing order (29b) of the corresponding contactor (17), said opening order (29a) or closing order (29b) having priority over the opening request (b') generated by the decision-making body (21).

6. Electrical distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the defined range of intensity values ​​corresponds to a defined threshold between a low value and a high value of intensity, the intensity being outside the defined range when the measured value is below the low value or above the high value for a predetermined time.

7. Electrical distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the decision-making unit (21) comprises a programmable logic controller; the range of defined values ​​and / or the direction of the generator current electrical (3) corresponding to the connection node (9) being able to be parameterized in the programmable logic controller.

8. Electrical distribution system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the physical quantity is a potential difference between the terminals of the contactor (17) and the measuring system (19) is adapted to measure an electrical potential difference between an upstream terminal of the contactor (17), on the electric generator side (3), and a downstream terminal of the contactor (17), on the connection node side (9), the decision element (21) being configured to open said contactor (17) when the potential difference is less than a target value.

9. Electrical distribution system according to claim 8, wherein a comparator constitutes the measuring system (19) and the decision-making body (21), the comparator being in particular an operational amplifier.

10. Electrical distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each circuit breaker (15) and corresponding contactor (17) are included in the same housing of the electrical distribution system (1).

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