Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting current imbalance between two or more electrical energy distribution elements of an electrical energy distribution network are disclosed. Each of a plurality of temperature sensors are implemented by a temperature sensing section of an optical fiber arranged to produce, in response to an optical input signal, an optical output signal indicative of the temperature of the temperature sensing section. First and second temperature sensors of the plurality are in thermal contact with first and second electrical energy distribution elements, respectively, to determine first and second temperature characteristics thereof based on the respective output signals. A current imbalance between the first and second elements is detected based on a comparison of the first temperature characteristic with the second temperature characteristic.

Abstract: An aircraft including: a wing having a leading edge; an electric motor mounted on the wing; and an electric power cable in the wing for providing power to the electric motor, wherein the electric power cable runs through a duct in the wing; the duct comprises an air inlet and an air outlet; and the electric power cable is cooled by air passing through the duct between the air inlet and the air outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting current imbalance between two or more electrical energy distribution elements of an electrical energy distribution network are disclosed. Each of a plurality of temperature sensors are implemented by a temperature sensing section of an optical fiber arranged to produce, in response to an optical input signal, an optical output signal indicative of the temperature of the temperature sensing section. First and second temperature sensors of the plurality are in thermal contact with first and second electrical energy distribution elements, respectively, to determine first and second temperature characteristics thereof based on the respective output signals. A current imbalance between the first and second elements is detected based on a comparison of the first temperature characteristic with the second temperature characteristic.

Abstract: An aircraft including: a wing having a leading edge; an electric motor mounted on the wing; and an electric power cable in the wing for providing power to the electric motor, wherein the electric power cable runs through a duct in the wing; the duct comprises an air inlet and an air outlet; and the electric power cable is cooled by air passing through the duct between the air inlet and the air outlet.