Abstract: A system and method for prolonging and equalizing the effective life of a plurality of transistors operating in parallel. The temperature of each transistor is measured and compared with the average temperature of the transistor system. A temperature difference is determined between the average temperature of the transistors and the measured temperature of each of the transistors. The gate resistance and the gate emitter resistance of each transistor is varied based on the temperature differences to control the measured temperature of each transistors by controlling current through each transistor thereby thermally balancing the transistors.

Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.

Abstract: A composite vehicle architecture without a current return network for reducing lightning threats. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) are spatially distributed throughout the vehicle. Equipment loads within the vehicle are each serviced by the nearest MEC. Twisted and shielded electrical conductor pairs provide secondary power to the equipment loads to minimize the amount of wire throughout the aircraft as well as the return currents on the aircraft.

Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed that includes a first interleaved power supply, a second interleaved power supply, and a common electromagnetic interference filter. The common electromagnetic interference filter is configured to provide DC power from a DC power source to both the first interleaved power supply and the second interleaved power supply. In one example, the common electromagnetic interference filter comprises a localized filter stage configured to receive DC power from the DC power source, and a distributed filter stage configured to receive DC power from the localized filter stage. The distributed filter stage includes a first set of common mode capacitors electrically connected to and physically proximate input power lines of the first interleaved power supply, and a second set of common mode capacitors electrically connected to and physically proximate input power lines of the second interleaved power supply.

Abstract: A method for controlling a circuit control system. Currents are sensed at outputs of transistors in the circuit control system. Levels are identified for the currents. A number of characteristics of the transistors are controlled while the currents flow out of the transistors such that the currents flowing out of the transistors have desired levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a validated stable design for a stable electrical power system. An initial design for an electrical power system is established. The initial design for the electrical power system satisfies design requirements. The initial design for the electrical power system is simulated for a plurality of simulated operating conditions for the electrical power system to generate simulation data. Stability parameter requirements for a stable design for the electrical power system are established from the simulation data. A hardware implementation of the stable design for the electrical power system is tested to generate hardware testing data. The stable design for the electrical power system is validated using the hardware testing data to establish a validated stable design for the electrical power system.

Abstract: A voltage conversion system and methods are disclosed. Voltage converter cells are controlled using interleaved phase-shift modulation signals, and convert an input electrical current at an input voltage to an output electrical current at an output voltage. Each of the voltage converter cells comprises: a transformer comprising a primary side and a secondary side, a full-bridge voltage converter connected in parallel to the primary side, and center-tapped rectifiers connected in series to the secondary side. One or more group of outputs of the voltage converters are coupled in series via the center-tapped rectifiers.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a power system. A generator is tripped in response to identifying a current on the generator that is greater than a first current threshold for a first time delay. The generator is also tripped in response to identifying the current on the generator that is greater than a second current threshold for a second time delay. The first current threshold is larger than the second current threshold and the first time delay is shorter than the second time delay.

Abstract: A voltage conversion system and methods are disclosed. Phase-shift modulation signals are generated and interleaved to provide interleaved phase-shift modulation signals. A plurality of voltage converters are controlled using the interleaved phase-shift modulation signals to convert an input electrical current at an input voltage to an output electrical current at an output voltage.

Abstract: The multifunctional power converter apparatus and method includes an input power stage configured to receive a DC input voltage from a DC power source and convert the DC input voltage to an AC or DC output voltage. At least one electrical power conversion electronic circuit is connected to an output of the input power stage, a DC output circuit; an AC output circuit; and a controller configured to control the input power stage, the DC output circuit and the AC output circuit. The controller is configured to automatically control the power converter output voltage based on a preselected user input.

Abstract: Vehicles, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing and directing first power, such as vehicle generator power, and alternate sources of power. In a particular embodiment, a vehicle includes a power distribution grid that includes a plurality of power sources and a plurality of distributions buses configured to distribute power from the plurality of power sources. The plurality of power sources include an engine-driven power source is configured to provide first power where the first power has first power characteristics. The plurality of power sources also includes a plurality of engine-independent power sources including a first alternate power source configured to provide first alternate power. The first alternate power has first alternate power characteristics that are different than the first power characteristics. The plurality of engine-independent power sources also includes a second alternate power source configured to provide second alternate power.

Abstract: An actuator motor described herein has fast dynamic response capability, high torque density, high efficiency, and improved thermal and mechanical stability at high speed while minimizing weight. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, an actuator motor has a rotor shaft with an array of permanent magnets attached according to a Halbach array configuration. A stator includes windings that induce a torque on the rotor shaft when rotating magnetic fields interact with the optimized magnetic flux distributions of the magnets of the Halbach array. According to various embodiments, the rotor shaft is hollow, reducing weight and rotational inertia, while improving ambient cooling characteristics of the motor.

Abstract: A system to control a power distribution system includes a system controller configured to determine an allocation of power during a first time period for each of a plurality of subsystems. The system also includes a subsystem controller communicatively coupled to the system controller. The subsystem controller is associated with a device and configured to receive power allocation data indicating the allocation of power for the device from the system controller. The subsystem controller is further configured to receive operation request data indicating a request to operate the device and produce a model operation of the device for a second time period based on the power allocation data, the operation request data, and a cost-utility function associated with the device. The subsystem controller is also configured to communicate, to the system controller, projected power demand data associated with the modeled operation of the device during the second time period.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a power system. A generator is tripped in response to identifying a current on the generator that is greater than a first current threshold for a first time delay. The generator is also tripped in response to identifying the current on the generator that is greater than a second current threshold for a second time delay. The first current threshold is larger than the second current threshold and the first time delay is shorter than the second time delay.

Abstract: An actuator motor described herein has fast dynamic response capability, high torque density, high efficiency, and improved thermal and mechanical stability at high speed while minimizing weight. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, an actuator motor has a rotor shaft with an array of permanent magnets attached according to a Halbach array configuration. A stator includes windings that induce a torque on the rotor shaft when rotating magnetic fields interact with the optimized magnetic flux distributions of the magnets of the Halbach array. According to various embodiments, the rotor shaft is hollow, reducing weight and rotational inertia, while improving ambient cooling characteristics of the motor.

Abstract: A voltage conversion system and methods are disclosed. Phase-shift modulation signals are generated and interleaved to provide interleaved phase-shift modulation signals. A plurality of voltage converters are controlled using the interleaved phase-shift modulation signals to convert an input electrical current at an input voltage to an output electrical current at an output voltage.

Abstract: Vehicles, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing and directing first power, such as vehicle generator power, and alternate sources of power. In a particular embodiment, a vehicle includes a power distribution grid that includes a plurality of power sources and a plurality of distributions buses configured to distribute power from the plurality of power sources. The plurality of power sources include an engine-driven power source is configured to provide first power where the first power has first power characteristics. The plurality of power sources also includes a plurality of engine-independent power sources including a first alternate power source configured to provide first alternate power. The first alternate power has first alternate power characteristics that are different than the first power characteristics. The plurality of engine-independent power sources also includes a second alternate power source configured to provide second alternate power.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for energy control and vehicle energy control. A vehicle energy control system includes an intelligent device that is configured to determine an energy demand of the intelligent device during an operation of a vehicle. The vehicle energy control system also includes an energy management system. The energy management system is configured to communicate with the intelligent device regarding the energy demand to coordinate scheduling of energy distribution during the operation. The energy management system is further configured to generate an energy distribution schedule to account for the energy demand and at least a second energy demand of another device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for energy control and vehicle energy control. A vehicle energy control system includes an intelligent device that is configured to determine an energy demand of the intelligent device during an operation of a vehicle. The vehicle energy control system also includes an energy management system. The energy management system is configured to communicate with the intelligent device regarding the energy demand to coordinate scheduling of energy distribution during the operation. The energy management system is further configured to generate an energy distribution schedule to account for the energy demand and at least a second energy demand of another device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a power control system including intelligent devices. A vehicle power control system includes a power supply configured to supply a first quantity of power to at least one device configured to consume power based on a first power demand. The vehicle power control system also includes an intelligent device configured to determine a second power demand for the intelligent device during a vehicle operation. The vehicle power control system also includes an energy management system. The energy management system is configured to communicate with the at least one the intelligent device regarding the second power demand of the at least one intelligent device to coordinate scheduling of power distribution during the vehicle operation in order to generate a power distribution schedule to account for the first power demand of the at least one device and the second power demand of the at least one intelligent device.