Aircraft Ground Power Cable Arc Fault Detection With Current Divider
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High current arc faults in power supply systems, particularly in aircraft ground power systems, are difficult to detect and can lead to catastrophic failures due to the inability of traditional circuit breakers to identify arc faults, resulting in electrical fires and damage to aircraft.
Innovation Solution
An arc fault protection system that includes a current divider with a low current path and a high current path, featuring a low current arc fault breaker that triggers a contactor relay to shut off system power when an arc fault is sensed, and a monitoring system that uses voltage sensors and communication wires to detect and record voltage drops and power levels, ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional circuit breakers are used in high current power supply systems, then the system can handle high current loads, but arc faults cannot be detected and lead to catastrophic failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the high current path into multiple parallel paths, with one low current path containing an arc fault breaker. This segmentation allows the arc fault detection function to be separated from the high current carrying function, enabling reliable arc fault detection without requiring the breaker to handle the full system current.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a current divider as an intermediary device that splits the high current into a low current portion (for detection) and a high current portion (for power delivery). The current divider acts as a mediator between the high current system and the low current arc fault breaker, enabling the breaker to detect arc faults in the high current system without being exposed to the full current load.
2Reliability
If a low current arc fault breaker is used to detect arc faults, then arc faults can be detected, but the breaker cannot handle the full system current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current path into multiple parallel branches: one branch contains the low current arc fault breaker for detection purposes, while other branches carry the high current load. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its current rating while collectively handling the full system current.
Solution Approach 2:
The current divider serves as an intermediary that redirects a portion of the high current through the low current arc fault breaker. It mediates between the high current system requirements and the low current breaker capabilities, enabling the breaker to sense arc faults without bearing the full system current load.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If changeable contact sections are added to plugs to extend service life, then plug durability increases, but plug weight and length increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a changeable contact section design where wear-prone contacts can be replaced independently of the plug body. This dynamic replacement capability extends the overall service life of the plug assembly by allowing periodic renewal of consumable contact elements without replacing the entire plug.
4Reliability
If high force is applied to mate plugs to ensure secure connection, then connection reliability improves, but damage to cable assemblies and bonding joints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs alignment features and guide structures that preliminarily position the plug and receptacle before the high-force mating operation. This preliminary alignment ensures that the connection force is applied along the correct axis and distributed properly, preventing misalignment-induced damage to cable assemblies and bonding joints while maintaining secure connection reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents catastrophic failures by automatically cutting off power in case of an arc fault, reducing the risk of electrical fires and extending the safe service life of aircraft ground power cable assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
an arc fault breaker with a current rating at a fraction of the total system current... When an arc fault is detected in the supplied cables, the arc fault breaker is tripped
Implementation Method 2
A current divider is provided such that fractional current consistent with the arc fault breaker rating is passed through the breaker and the current balance is directed there around
Implementation Method 3
a monitoring system that uses voltage sensors and communication wires to detect and record voltage drops and power levels
Data Source
AI summary
Aircraft ground power cable management and monitoring systems and methods including arc fault protection. Disclosed systems are especially well-suited for high power systems such as 400 Hz aircraft ground power supply systems and cable assemblies.