Advanced Aircraft Electrical Power Management-Maximizing Utility Function Integration with Solid State Power Control 2012-01-2183

The development of the microprocessor controlled power MOSFET switch, as a circuit protection device for aircraft electrical power systems, has led to significant improvements in packaging, performance and thermal efficiencies over traditional thermal/mechanical systems. The electronic circuit breaker (ECB) inherently provides multiple functions (protect, sense, diagnose, and control). Employing the ECB as a “live” switching element in the system for active control, provides for significant integration of functions, previously requiring separate LRUs, additional wiring and more power to operate. This paper proposes an optimized electrical power distribution via intelligent control of electronic circuit breakers to provide maximum integration of existing utility management functions (i.e. window heat, de-icing, thrust reversers, etc.), reduction in aircraft wiring, reduced system weight and complexity.

Specific electronic power system architecture will be proposed as an example to serve as a point of comparison to legacy electrical systems, inclusive of specific sub-systems targeted for this integration. A balanced perspective on design, aircraft mechanical/electrical integration, pilot-interface, maintainability and certification will be presented.