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In arc fault circuit breakers, the choice of a fault detection sensitivity is generally made as a compromise between speed of detection and avoidance of nuisance trips. By using solid state switching with a variable arc fault detection threshold, the best of both worlds can be obtained. This paper describes baseline experiments on arc fault management through the use of solid state switching. Direct current testing on series arcs and on parallel arcs across carbonized paths suggests that in some cases, an arc event can be actively managed. This allows a reduced level of power to be supplied to a critical system even in the presence of a fault condition. In cases where fault management is not appropriate, solid state fault interruption technology allows the ability to reset a nuisance trip, enabling more sensitive trip thresholds to be used.

A throttle control system has been developed for a small V-twin engine used in a hybrid AC power generation system. The control system utilizes a throttle actuator, a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller and software that determines desired power outputs (engine speeds) based on real-time measurements. The control system forms part of a hybrid power generation system that incorporates two time variable three-phase AC power sources: a wind turbine and an internal combustion engine-generator combination. Initial testing of the control system shows a stable response and a reasonable settling time for speed step changes when a minimum load is applied to the engine. A design methodology for throttle control system optimization is also described.