Fast Detection of Electrical Faults in Shipboard Electrical Power Distribution Systems

Williams-Pyro, Inc. proposes to develop a wire fault location system using fault detection and location algorithms that will detect the presence of electrical faults from applications in grounded, medium-voltage shipboard electric plants with high harmoniccontent and generate electrical data to allow coordinated identification of fault locations. Using new algorithms for signal reflectometry with a software response system, SWIFT will detect faults in all forms of power distribution cable within a ship,including co-axial transmission lines, twin-ax transmission lines, and single-conductor wire bundles. Using Open Systems Architecture methodology, SWIFT will integrate sophisticated circuitry for fault detection and location and a software response systemthat reacts to the presence of a fault and alerts the crew to any damage to insulation and identifies its severity and location. The market for the proposed SWIFT system comprises all ships: 270 in the Navy, 232 cutters in the Coast Guard, 206 cruiseships worldwide by 2004, and 20,870 merchant ships worldwide. According to Lloyd's Register World Fleet Statistics, in 2000 the world fleet was 87,716. The future of this already large market is promising. According to Ocean Shipping Consultants Ltd., thetotal world fleet is expected to continue to grow: 40 percent expansion over the next 15 years. Williams-Pyro, Inc. is well prepared to take advantage of these opportunities by successfully transitioning SWIFT from idea to profitable product. Followingtechnology development, WPI will commercialize SWIFT using our product-development process. The first step is to host a product demonstration at WPI's in-house laboratory for the Navy acquisition community and design agents/shipbuilders, such as NorthropGrumman. Our relationship with Northrop Grumman Ship Systems will enable WPI to develop a product to integrate easily aboard the DD(X) and CVN(X) currently under design. Second, our system will undergo testing in a Navy lab and then aboard the ex-USSShadwell. The third step will involve extensive field-testing. Fourth, WPI's marketing department will investigate alternative product applications. The final step is full production and product launch.