Arc Fault Quenching for Mission Critical Systems

Phase 1 research demonstrated the feasibility of using solid state electronics to manage an arc fault situation. In particular, by implementing brief interruptions of power to a conductor that is suspected of involvement in an arcing event: (1) a better identification can be made of the arcing source; (2) a higher sensitivity level may be used without the associated nuisance trip problems; (3) if an arc exists, it can be extinguished and power restored without an arc restrike; and (4) the arc can be "managed" on some basis, thereby knowingly allowing a potentially dangerous condition to exist but accepting this condition under some circumstances until an aircraft can safely land or a pilot can complete a critical mission. Phase 2 research is directed at developing this technology for implementation in an aviation environment. By building upon an established solid state aviation relay platform, the algorithms will be incorporated into an actual test vehicle for evaluation in conjunction with the next generation of aviation power controllers. In a parallel effort, a merging of solid state switching elements with existing aviation circuit breakers will be investigated to develop a hybrid unit having all of the protection capabilities of existing mechanical breakers with the added advantages offered by solid state switching.