Lightweight Protection Systems of Direct-Current Propulsion Power Link

With the advent of aircraft propulsion electrification, the need for highly effective, lightweight power protection systems is imperative. Current protection schemes consist of combinations of melting fuses and/or thermo-magnetic circuit breakers. These devices are effective and reliable, but have a number of short-comings such as lack of precision and negative ambient temperature impacts; bulkiness and weight; significant I2R losses; servicing difficulties; circuit interrupt times occurring in 100's of mS; and current rating selection being based upon protection of circuit wiring, not the load. Use of modern semiconductors is expected to provide reduction in weight by about 20%; reduction of space by about 40%; over-current interruption in the 10's of ?S; and much lower I2R losses by about 50%. These new protection configurations will provide the means for smaller footprints, reduced weight, more efficient propulsion power link distribution and protection. Overall, such improvements make electric-powered aircraft the preferred choice over traditional technology.