Solid State Remote Power Controller for Aircraft DC Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electrical systems experience prolonged downtime due to extended power interruptions, requiring a restart of the startup sequence upon power restoration, which increases downtime and reduces operational availability.
Innovation Solution
A minimal interruption power switching method and system that monitors DC bus power characteristics, activates a switching power source when necessary, and reroutes power from an alternate source to minimize downtime by using a solid-state remote power controller and electrical contactors, with a controller capable of rapid switching and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional power switching system is used, then the system can handle power source failures, but the switching interruption time is too long causing system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power source is pre-charged to a threshold voltage level before switching is needed. When a power source failure occurs, the pre-charged backup source can immediately take over without requiring time to charge, thus minimizing switching interruption time while maintaining power supply continuity
Solution Approach 2:
A dual-power bus architecture with capacitive coupling is introduced as an intermediary between power sources and the load. This allows seamless power transfer by maintaining voltage on the bus during switching transitions, preventing system shutdown while handling power source failures
2Reliability
If power is continuously monitored and switched, then power supply continuity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power switching system automatically monitors power source status and performs switching operations without external intervention. The system self-manages the complex monitoring and switching tasks, reducing the need for additional control system complexity while maintaining power supply continuity
Data Source
AI summary
A DC power distribution system and method includes a solid state remote power controller that connects a switching power source to a DC bus when the DC bus is switching power sources thereby providing a nearly uninterrupted power supply to the DC bus.