Abstract: A method and apparatus for modular power distribution includes an end module and at least one switching module having a switching module electrical power interface configured to electrically connect to at least one of the end module electrical power interface, to another switching module electrical power interface, or to at least one voltage converter module, and having at least one of a switching element, an input/output connector, a switching module communication interface, or a bus bar connector, wherein the modules are physically secured.

Abstract: A power distribution system in operative association with a source and a plurality of loads includes a converter, a power distribution unit including a plurality of solid state power controllers and configured to provide power from converter to plurality of loads, and a fault protection unit operatively coupled to converter, power distribution unit, or both. The fault protection unit includes a sensor configured to sense current at output terminal of at least one of power distribution unit and converter and a controller configured to compare sensed current with a corresponding threshold value of current, identify presence of a fault in at least one of plurality of loads, power distribution unit, and converter based on comparison, and activate a desired protection scheme to provide fault ride through during the presence of the fault.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system includes a power converter adapted to receive a power supply and convert the power supply to a power output, a set of solid state switching elements connected with the power output, a set of sensors adapted to sense a power demand at the set of solid state switching elements, and a controller module communicatively connected with the set of sensors and the set of solid state switching elements.

Abstract: An alternating-current power source can include a set of power storage units arranged in series and defining a power output. Each power storage unit can include a power storage device, a first connection configured to enable a voltage output of the power storage device, and a second connection configured to enable bypassing the voltage output of the power storage device.

Abstract: An electric distribution architecture may comprise a main bus delivering current from a main source to a set of distributed loads at a first voltage wherein a subset of the set requires a second voltage lower than the first voltage. A distribution unit may be connected between the main bus and each load of the subset and may include a voltage converter converting the first voltage to the second voltage. A battery bus may deliver current to the subset at the second voltage from a battery when the main bus is not operating. The battery bus may operate at a third voltage higher than the second voltage on the battery bus. The voltage converter may convert the third voltage to the second voltage for the subset when the main bus is not operating, wherein the battery bus has a weight adequate to accommodate a current at the third voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing power from a power source to a set of power outputs using a power distribution rack includes a manifold having a set of bus bar channels in a wall, a set of electronic cards, and a set of bus bars received in the set of bus bar channels and coupling a power source to the electronic cards, wherein the electronic cards route the power from the power source to the power outputs.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for electrically switching current include a first conductor formed of an electrically conductive material and having a first longitudinal axis; a second conductor formed of the electrically conductive material and having a second longitudinal axis; a set of switching components, each component selectively configured to electrically couple the first conductor to the second conductor; and a printed circuit board on which the first and second conductors are disposed. The width of the first conductor along the first longitudinal axis varies such that the current density in the first conductor is substantially constant along the first longitudinal axis and the width of the second conductor along the second longitudinal axis varies such that the current density in the second conductor is substantially constant along the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modular power distribution includes an end module and at least one switching module having a switching module electrical power interface configured to electrically connect to at least one of the end module electrical power interface or another switching module electrical power interface, and having at least one of a switching element, an input/output connector, a switching module communication interface, or a bus bar connector, wherein the modules are physically secured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modular power distribution includes an end module and at least one switching module having a switching module electrical power interface configured to electrically connect to at least one of the end module electrical power interface, to another switching module electrical power interface, or to at least one voltage converter module, and having at least one of a switching element, an input/output connector, a switching module communication interface, or a bus bar connector, wherein the modules are physically secured.

Abstract: A power distribution switch including a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) relay switch matrix disposed between a power source and an electrical load, and a controller module configured to operate the MEMS relay switch between a conducting and a non-conducting state, wherein the conducting state conducts power from the power source to the electrical load and the non-conducting state prevents power conduction from the power sources to the electrical load.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing power from a power source to a set of power outputs using a power distribution rack includes a manifold having a set of bus bars in a wall and coupling a power source to a set of electronic cards, wherein the electronic cards route the power from the power source to the power outputs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing the detection of faults in a wiring system. The wiring system is made up of supply wires and can include return wires. The supply wire connects a power supply to a load end. The fault detecting apparatus is positioned along the wire between the power supply and the load end and can include a first and second resistor, a voltage monitor, and an indicator.

Abstract: A power distribution node for a power architecture, and method for operating, includes a microgenerator configured to generate a supply of electrical power, and a power distribution unit connected with a power supply bus and the microgenerator and configured to selectively energize at least a subset of electrical loads disposed proximately to the power distribution node. The energizing power is operably supplied by at least one of the power supply bus or the microgenerator.

Abstract: A distributed converter for delivering power to a set of loads is provided. The distributed converter includes a converter battery distribution unit that includes a converter-modular power tile, and the converter-modular power tile includes a battery pack configured to deliver power to a load of the set of loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing power from a power source to a set of power outputs using a power distribution rack includes a manifold having a set of bus bar channels in a wall, a set of electronic cards, and a set of bus bars received in the set of bus bar channels and coupling a power source to the electronic cards, wherein the electronic cards route the power from the power source to the power outputs.

Abstract: A power distribution system in operative association with a source and a plurality of loads includes a converter, a power distribution unit including a plurality of solid state power controllers and configured to provide power from converter to plurality of loads, and a fault protection unit operatively coupled to converter, power distribution unit, or both. The fault protection unit includes a sensor configured to sense current at output terminal of at least one of power distribution unit and converter and a controller configured to compare sensed current with a corresponding threshold value of current, identify presence of a fault in at least one of plurality of loads, power distribution unit, and converter based on comparison, and activate a desired protection scheme to provide fault ride through during the presence of the fault.

Abstract: A switching circuit for connection to a load and to a voltage source is provided. The switching circuit includes at least one switching device for switching on and off power to the load. A pulldown device is provided for shorting out the load thereby isolating the load from the voltage source; and a controller operable while the load is shorted to activate at least one of the switching devices at a time. The current passes through the activated switching device and is measurable to test whether the activated switching device is operating correctly.

Abstract: A switching circuit for connection to a load and to a voltage source is provided. The switching circuit comprises: at least one switching devices for switching on and off power to the load a pulldown device for shorting out the load thereby isolating the load from the voltage source; and a controller operable while the load is shorted to activate at least one of the switching devices at a time, wherein a current passes through the or each activated switching device and is measurable to test whether the or each activated switching device is operating correctly.