Arc Damage Detection Using Real-Time Thermal Energy Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for high power electrical units in aircraft lack effective methods to assess and mitigate damage from electrical arcs, which can lead to thermal damage and potential fires due to the latency in detecting high fault currents.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting electrical arc damage by receiving input indicative of electrical power over time, modeling the amount of damage using regression or machine learning models, and comparing it to a predetermined threshold to flag warnings and potentially break the circuit to stop the arc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional high fault current detection is used to detect electrical arcs, then the system can be shut down upon detection, but there is still time for the arc to dissipate enough energy to damage cold plates or walls during the detection latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating an arc damage index in real-time during arc events using integrated energy measurements and thermal models, enabling damage assessment before the arc completes its energy dissipation, thus avoiding the latency problem of conventional post-detection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring arc current, calculating integrated energy, updating thermal models, and recalculating the damage index in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that provides continuous damage assessment feedback to determine when damage thresholds are exceeded
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the system shut down immediately upon detecting high fault current, then thermal damage can be mitigated, but the arc can still dissipate significant energy to cold plates and walls during the detection and trip latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating damage indices and establishing damage thresholds before arcs occur, enabling immediate damage assessment when arcs happen without waiting for post-event analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by transitioning from simple current threshold detection to a multi-parameter damage index calculation that integrates arc current, duration, energy, and thermal conduction properties, enabling more accurate real-time damage assessment
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
The system effectively predicts and mitigates electrical arc damage by estimating melt depth and comparing it to known thresholds, reducing the risk of thermal damage and potential fires, and providing timely warnings for inspection.
Implementation Method 1
Using the regression model can include modeling transient heat transfer resulting from the electrical arc
Implementation Method 2
During a short circuit event, an electrical arc can impinge near the cold plate cooling channels and well as line replaceable unit (LRU) chassis walls
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of detecting electrical arc damage includes receiving input (128) indicative of electrical power as a function of time in an electrical arc (114). The method includes using the input (128) to model an amount of damage caused by the electrical arc (114), and comparing the amount of damage to a predetermined threshold. The method includes flagging a warning in response to the amount of damage exceeding a predetermined threshold. The method can include breaking a circuit to stop the electrical arc (114). Flagging the warning can include signaling to an operator to inspect a unit potentially damaged by the electrical arc (114). The method can include inspecting the unit potentially damaged by the electrical arc (114).