HFAC Power Bus EMP Protection Using Gamma-Triggered Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surge protection devices are inadequate in protecting electronic equipment from the damaging effects of electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), particularly high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) events, which can induce large current spikes and cause significant damage.
Innovation Solution
A high frequency alternating current (HFAC) power distribution system with a detector circuit, protection circuit, power supply inhibitor, and controller that detects gamma radiation to prevent electrical energy provision during EMP events, using a PIN diode and electronic crowbar to short circuit and disable power supply, thereby protecting connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing surge protection devices are used, then basic surge protection is provided, but they are ineffective against EMP events and cannot protect all types of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is designed to protect multiple types of equipment (electronic devices, electrical equipment, communication systems, power distribution systems) against various threats (EMP events, surge events, ESD events, RFI/RF interference) through a single multi-functional architecture that can be adapted to different application scenarios
2Reliability
If a detector circuit monitors gamma radiation to detect EMP events, then early detection and response is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector circuit uses a PIN diode to detect electromagnetic field pulses associated with EMP events, replacing more complex mechanical or electronic detection systems with a semiconductor-based solution that provides fast response time and can be integrated into the power supply circuitry
3Reliability
If the power supply inhibitor disables the power supply rapidly upon detecting EMP, then equipment damage is prevented, but the response time requirement becomes more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply inhibitor is pre-configured to immediately disable the power supply when an EMP event is detected, preventing damage before it can occur. The system is designed with pre-charged capacitors and pre-positioned switches that can respond within nanoseconds to microsecond time scales
4Reliability
If the protection circuit provides a short circuit to protect against EMP-induced current spikes, then equipment is protected from overcurrent damage, but the power supply and connected devices must be re-enabled after the event
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit automatically removes the short circuit after a predetermined time delay following the EMP event, and the power supply inhibitor automatically re-enables the power supply without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the protection and recovery sequence
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 protects electronic devices from EMP-induced damage by rapidly disabling power supply and short-circuiting to prevent excessive electrical energy, ensuring safe operation during EMP events.
Implementation Method 1
a detector circuit, configured to monitor gamma radiation to provide a detection signal
Implementation Method 2
The detector circuit may comprise a PIN diode, and the detector circuit may be configured to detect the electromagnetic field pulses based on a conduction state of the PIN diode
Implementation Method 3
a protection circuit connected to the power supply output terminals and being arranged to provide a short circuit of the power supply, for example between output terminals of conversion circuitry of the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the disclosure provides a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) power distribution system configured to provide an HFAC power supply on an HFAC power supply bus to enable a plurality of electronic devices to be connected to the power supply bus for receiving HFAC electrical energy, the power distribution system comprising: an HFAC power supply configured to provide HFAC electrical energy to the HFAC power supply bus and having power supply output terminals for coupling to said bus; a protection circuit connected to the power supply and being arranged to provide a short circuit of the power supply; a power supply inhibitor operable to disable the power supply to prevent the provision of electrical energy; a detector circuit, configured to monitor gamma radiation to provide a detection signal; and a controller configured to operate the power supply inhibitor to prevent the provision of electrical energy in the event that the detection signal exceeds a threshold and then subsequently to operate the protection circuit to provide the short circuit.