SSPC-Based Vehicle Power Control System for Arc Fault Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of high voltage levels in More Electric Aircraft systems leads to instability and new challenges such as the corona effect and arc faults, and existing power control systems rely on conventional components that limit control and monitoring capabilities and do not fully leverage the benefits of solid-state power controllers (SSPCs).
Innovation Solution
An Electrical Power System for vehicles utilizing only SSPCs, with a master EPLMU and Load Management Computer connected via a data communication bus, allowing for full control and monitoring of electrical loads, including auto-configuration and dual power supply lines to enhance reliability and reduce the need for intermediate protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If higher voltage levels are used to reduce current levels and wire section, then weight and wire section are reduced, but new problems such as corona effect, arc fault, and system instability appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electromechanical protection devices (circuit breakers, relays) with solid-state power controllers (SSPCs) that use electronic components and semiconductor devices. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to vibrations and provides faster response times for detecting and responding to harmful electrical effects like corona discharge and arc faults, thereby mitigating these dangers while maintaining the benefits of high-voltage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements intelligent monitoring and control systems with SSPCs that continuously detect electrical parameters and provide feedback control. The system monitors for signs of corona effect and arc faults, and automatically responds by adjusting power delivery or isolating affected components, thus preventing these harmful effects from causing system instability while allowing high-voltage operation to reduce wire weight.
2Reliability
If conventional circuit breakers and electromechanical relays are used for protection and control, then basic protection functions are provided, but control capability, monitoring capability, and response time are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical components with solid-state electronic components and semiconductor devices. This substitution provides faster response times, higher reliability without mechanical wear, and enhanced control and monitoring capabilities through electronic intelligence while maintaining protection functions. The SSPCs offer precise control over power delivery and can detect faults more rapidly than conventional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the SSPCs, combining protection, control, monitoring, and management capabilities in a single device. The SSPCs can perform overload protection, fault detection, power control, and communication functions, replacing multiple separate conventional devices and providing both basic protection and advanced control/monitoring capabilities simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a centralized Load Management Computer with conventional components is used, then basic load management is achieved, but the system does not fully leverage solid-state power controller capabilities and requires intermediate protection devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of intermediate protection devices into the SSPCs themselves. The SSPCs are directly connected to the Load Management Computer and eliminate the need for separate circuit breakers and protection devices. This integration simplifies the system architecture by combining protection, control, and power delivery functions into unified solid-state modules, reducing the number of components while enhancing operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional hierarchical architecture with electromechanical components with a streamlined architecture using solid-state devices. The SSPCs provide both protection and control functions directly, eliminating intermediate mechanical devices and reducing system complexity while fully leveraging the capabilities of solid-state technology for intelligent load management.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An Electrical Power System for supplying electrical power to the loads of a vehicle comprising a Power Generation Area (11); a Primary Distribution Area (13); a Secondary Distribution Area (15) including Electrical Power Load Management Units (EPLMUs) (17, 17', 17", 17"') that comprise a Control Board (31) and one or more SSPCs (33) for groups of loads (19, 19', 19", 19"'); and a master EPLMU (21) that comprise a Control Board (32) and one or more SSPCs (33), powered from the Primary Distribution Area (13) and connected to said EPLMUs (17, 17', 17", 17"') by power supply lines and by a data communication bus (26), and a Load Management Computer (25) connected to said data communication bus (26); said master EPLMU (21) and said Load Management Computer (25) being suitable arranged for full control of the start up and the shutdown of said EPLMUs (17, 17', 17", 17"').