Technical Paper
Power Dissipation Optimization Process in Aircraft Secondary Power Distribution Systems
2013-09-17
2013-01-2275
In a more electric aircraft, with strong demand for numerous independently controlled AC and DC power utilities, a new concept of secondary power distribution system has emerged. Based on common core software applications, local area network, and electronic modules with Solid State Power Controllers (SSPC), secondary power distribution system becomes a network of independent Power Distribution Units (PDU), installed in various locations throughout aircraft fuselage. This new decentralized concept has many benefits, including wiring weight reduction, electronic over-current and arc fault protection, and software controlled circuit breakers status and indication. An attempt to optimize allocation of SSPCs to aircraft electric utilities and the number of electronic Power Modules in Power Distribution Units has become a more complex problem. Each Power Distribution Unit contains several Power Electronics modules, where each module has its own power dissipation limit.