Abstract: A method which allows for the quick and accurate detection of faulty operating conditions and bad interconnections between and within devices in an electrical system. The method allows for the detection of arcing in wiring and components, high resistance connections, loose components, and the like. Voltage or current at each end of a conductor, or on each side of a system component, or the current through a component, may be detected and analyzed. A fault or abnormal condition is indicated when the voltage or current exceeds an expected level. Alternatively, resistance may be detected and analyzed, and a fault condition indicated when the resistance exceeds an expected level. Existing detection or computation equipment already associated with the system may be used for the detection and analysis.

Abstract: A virtual electronic circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: A virtual electronic circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: Multiple relays are connected in parallel by including one or more semiconductor devices connected across the relay contacts. The semiconductor devices are triggered to conduct and shunt transient currents during the opening and closing of the relay contacts to protect the relay contacts from overcurrent and to eliminate arcing during relay switching. This permits a combination of smaller relays to replace a larger and more expensive relay in applications that require switching of large load currents.

Abstract: Multiple relays are connected in parallel by including one or more semiconductor devices connected across the relay contacts. The semiconductor devices are triggered to conduct and shunt transient currents during the opening and closing of the relay contacts to protect the relay contacts from overcurrent and to eliminate arcing during relay switching. This permits a combination of smaller relays to replace a larger and more expensive relay in applications that require switching of large load currents.

Abstract: A virtual electronic circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: A power distribution unit includes a first solid state power module comprising a first plurality of solid state power controllers, where the first solid state power module comprises a first set of power characteristics. Also included is a second solid state power module comprising a second plurality of solid state power controllers. The second solid state power module comprises a second set of power characteristics. Also, the first solid state power module and the second solid state power module are interchangeably coupled to a first location of a common chassis.

Abstract: A virtual circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: An electrical architecture includes at least one generator. A fast switching device connects the generator to a bus. A plurality of loads draw electrical power from the bus.

Abstract: A power distribution unit includes a first solid state power module comprising a first plurality of solid state power controllers, where the first solid state power module comprises a first set of power characteristics. Also included is a second solid state power module comprising a second plurality of solid state power controllers. The second solid state power module comprises a second set of power characteristics. Also, the first solid state power module and the second solid state power module are interchangeably coupled to a first location of a common chassis.

Abstract: An aircraft power distribution architecture including an Auxiliary Power Unit, a power distributor, and an electric generator distributes power to multiple aircraft systems.

Abstract: A solid state power control module contains non-volatile memory. A switch for opening is provided to break a supply of power to a component. The switch is operable to trip (open) when an undesirable condition is detected, and further to be opened upon receiving a control signal. A status of the switch is stored in the non-volatile memory. A detector is provided for identifying when a module has been mounted in a housing, and communicates with the non-volatile memory if it is determined that the module is newly installed in a housing. A system and method are also claimed.

Abstract: A solid state power control module contains non-volatile memory. A switch for opening is provided to break a supply of power to a component. The switch is operable to trip (open) when an undesirable condition is detected, and further to be opened upon receiving a control signal. A status of the switch is stored in the non-volatile memory. A detector is provided for identifying when a module has been mounted in a housing, and communicates with the non-volatile memory if it is determined that the module is newly installed in a housing. A system and method are also claimed.

Abstract: An Auxiliary Power System includes an APU controller and an aircraft load controller which include an APU load capacity algorithm which provides an uncomplicated and robust method of APU load control. The APU load capacity algorithm defines three load zones: a continuous APU load capacity zone (zone A); a time controlled zone (zone B); and a fault zone (zone C). Each zone is related to altitude to the service ceiling of the APU to provides consistent APU load capacity that addresses APU performance variation and deterioration effects to an end of the APU useful life.

Abstract: An Auxiliary Power System includes an APU controller and an aircraft load controller which include an APU load capacity algorithm which provides an uncomplicated and robust method of APU load control. The APU load capacity algorithm defines three load zones: a continuous APU load capacity zone (zone A); a time controlled zone (zone B); and a fault zone (zone C). Each zone is related to altitude to the service ceiling of the APU to provides consistent APU load capacity that addresses APU performance variation and deterioration effects to an end of the APU useful life.

Abstract: A generator feeder fault detection system includes a ground fault detector transformer that monitors the sum of forward and return currents from and to a generator. During normal operation, the sum of the currents in the ground fault detector equals zero. If there is a fault, however, the ground fault detector will detect a non-zero current sum. Because the ground fault detector measures the sum of the currents traveling through it, the current sensor in the detection circuit can be selected to measure small amounts of current and does not need to have a high threshold, even for generators that output high levels of current.