초록 ▼

A power line communication-based aircraft power distribution system may allow for both power line communication (PLC) technology and spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) technology to be utilized in aircraft power distribution systems to achieve key maintenance functions. Unlike convent

A power line communication-based aircraft power distribution system may allow for both power line communication (PLC) technology and spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) technology to be utilized in aircraft power distribution systems to achieve key maintenance functions. Unlike conventional power distribution systems, which may, for example, use only SSTDR for fault detection, the present invention includes a hardware platform that may allow both the PLC and the SSTDR to be utilized in aircraft power distribution systems to achieve key maintenance functions, such as real time wire fault location, and cost and weight savings. Further, unlike conventional power distribution systems, which may only detect and locate damage in feeder conductor wire sections before the power is applied to the load, the power distribution system of the present invention may permit real time wire fault location.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A power distribution system comprising:at least one generator;at least one AC bus bar receiving power from the generator;at least one switch electrically connecting the AC bus bar to an AC load;an electric power control unit communicating with a main data bus; andat least two power line

We claim: 1. A power distribution system comprising:at least one generator;at least one AC bus bar receiving power from the generator;at least one switch electrically connecting the AC bus bar to an AC load;an electric power control unit communicating with a main data bus; andat least two power line communication (PLC) tap points, each of the at least two PLC tap points communicating with the electric power control unit;wherein a signal sent between the at least two PLC tap points in the power distribution system is used to determine a wire integrity between the at least two PLC tap points;wherein the switch comprises:a control power supply;a digital signal processor-based power controller and a PLC modem receiving power from the control power supply;a power line coupler for delivering a power line signal from the PLC modem to a power input of the switch; andsignal processing circuitry for sending a spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) signal into the power distribution system;wherein the switch interrupts power being sent over a portion of the power distribution system when the electric power control unit determines the wire integrity as being faulty.