Enhanced Circuit Protection and Safety via Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters for Military/Commercial Aircraft

WPI proposes to design an Embedded Locator and Breaker (ELAB) capable of (1) detecting arc faults and damaged wire on an aircraft, (2) interrupting the circuit in the event of an impending fault, and (3) communicating the status externally. Using newalgorithms for signal reflectometry with classification based on Artificial Neural Networks, ELAB will detect faults in all forms of cable within an aircraft. ELAB will integrate sophisticated circuitry for fault detection and location, a bimetal circuitbreaker for fire prevention, and a communications module for providing feedback to inspection and maintenance personnel. Installation of ELAB includes two options: (1) refitted into the main circuit panel or (2) distributed throughout the aircraft space ona one-time basis. After installation, feedback communication will be sent to a central backplane panel. This noninvasive procedure allows more frequent inspection of aircraft wiring than is currently performed, resulting in more rapid detection offailures. Artificial Neural Networks combined with advanced signal processing software within each ELAB provides improved detection accuracy and more detailed classification of arc and insulation faults than is now possible. The ELABs constitute adistributed network of multiple smart sensors, resulting in a distributed decision-making environment resistant to damage or accidents. Following technology development, WPI will commercialize this system using a 5-part process. The first step in theprocess is to host a product demonstration at WPI's in-house laboratory for the Air Force. Second, our system will undergo a field test for flight applications on Air Force aircraft. The third step involves the trial production of a small number of ELABson 747s available for testing at the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center. This allows WPI to evaluate the production capability and process and to make any necessary modifications. The test market of 747s using the system will provide invaluablefeedback regarding the performance of ELAB under the intended conditions. Fourth, WPI's marketing department will investigate alternative product applications, particularly products or industries with extensive wiring that could potentially cause fire orwhere arcing conditions may occur. The final commercialization step is full production and product launch. Once full production is underway, we will pursue partnerships with ship equipment, electrical systems, and appliance manufacturers to allow theirproducts to reach consumers pre-equipped with a variation of ELAB. Because of its broad applicability, ELAB could have a total annual market potential of more than $1.1 billion.