US9271423B2 - Power distribution unit and method of distributing high density power - Google Patents

Power distribution unit and method of distributing high density power Download PDF

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Publication number
US9271423B2
US9271423B2 US13/421,233 US201213421233A US9271423B2 US 9271423 B2 US9271423 B2 US 9271423B2 US 201213421233 A US201213421233 A US 201213421233A US 9271423 B2 US9271423 B2 US 9271423B2
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Prior art keywords
solid state
state power
power module
power
module
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US13/421,233
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US20120235496A1 (en
Inventor
Michael Krenz
Mark J. Seger
Jeffrey T. Wavering
Donald A. Zwiefelhofer
Massoud Vaziri
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Hamilton Sundstrand Corp
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Hamilton Sundstrand Corp
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Assigned to HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION reassignment HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KRENZ, MICHAEL, SEGER, MARK J., VAZIRI, MASSOUD, WAVERING, JEFFREY T., Zwiefelhofer, Donald A.
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
    • H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
    • H05K7/1438—Back panels or connecting means therefor; Terminals; Coding means to avoid wrong insertion
    • H05K7/1457—Power distribution arrangements
    • Y10T307/696—

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to power distribution systems, and more particularly to high density power systems and methods of high density power distribution.
  • An example of such an application is a vehicle, such as an aircraft.
  • the limited space available for system components drives the requirement for high density power distribution.
  • the power distribution system must be sufficiently compact, while still being adequately configured to distribute power to typically several loads.
  • the loads include various types of protection against over-current, over and under-frequency, arc fault, and ground fault, to name a few potential sources of disruptions to load functionality.
  • Circuit breaker panels are sized to attempt to fit into the space constrained areas, which are often unavailable during flight and are difficult to access on the ground, in the case of an aircraft.
  • a power distribution unit includes a first solid state power module comprising a first plurality of solid state power controllers, where the first solid state power module comprises a first set of power characteristics. Also included is a second solid state power module comprising a second plurality of solid state power controllers. The second solid state power module comprises a second set of power characteristics. Also, the first solid state power module and the second solid state power module are interchangeably coupled to a first location of a common chassis.
  • a method of distributing high density power includes packaging a first plurality of solid state power controllers to form a first solid state power module, where the first solid state power module comprises a first set of power characteristics. Also included is packaging a second plurality of solid state power controllers to form a second solid state power module, where the second solid state power module comprises a second set of power characteristics. Further included is selectively placing one of the first solid state power module and the second solid state power module within a first position of a chassis, where the first solid state power module and the second solid state power module are interchangeable. Yet further included is controlling one of the first solid state power module and the second solid state power module with a control interface.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a power distribution unit having a logic section and a power section
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a plurality of solid state power modules
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a power block arranged in a first configuration
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the power block arranged in a second configuration
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of distributing high density power.
  • a power distribution unit is generally schematically illustrated with reference numeral 10 .
  • the power distribution unit 10 may be employed in a variety of applications, such as an aircraft or another vehicle (not illustrated), for example.
  • the vehicle includes a plurality of powered vehicle systems 12 , 14 , 16 .
  • the power distribution unit 10 provides power to the powered vehicle systems 12 , 14 , 16 and is supplied power by a power supply 18 .
  • the power distribution unit 10 comprises a logic section 20 and a power section 22 , with the power section 22 being made up, at least in part, by one or more solid state power modules (SSPMs) 24 , each having a plurality of solid state power controllers (SSPCs) 26 .
  • the SSPCs 26 employs transistors to provide a switching function and use electronics to provide a circuit breaker function to protect wiring associated with the power vehicle systems 12 , 14 , 16 .
  • the SSPMs 24 based on the composition of SSPCs 26 , provide a variety of system protections including, but not limited to, integrated current sensing, over-current, and over-temperature protection, to name simply a few illustrative examples.
  • the SSPCs 26 function as arc fault protection, ground fault protection, and when used as part of a larger protection network, provide differential current protection.
  • Each of the SSPCs 26 includes a power supply (not shown) that facilitates operation of the SSPCs 26 .
  • the SSPMs 24 include a first side and a second side and the SSPCs 26 are configured to mount to either the first side or the second side of the SSPMs 24 , thereby providing a more compact packaging of the SSPCs 26 and making more efficient use of limited space provided for the power distribution unit 10 .
  • the plurality of SSPCs 26 that are mounted to, or packaged as, each SSPM 24 comprise a specific set of power characteristics for each SSPM 24 .
  • the power characteristics vary between distinct SSPMs 24 and provide various functionalities, depending on the assembly of SSPCs 26 .
  • the logic section 20 senses current at various locations proximate the SSPCs 26 to determine if appropriate functionality is occurring. In the event of a disruptive condition, the SSPCs 26 may be switched to an “off” condition.
  • the logic section 20 and the SSPCs 26 may include various components that are configured to receive and transmit data related to operation of the SSPCs 26 , among other things. Such components may include microcontrollers and communications interfaces.
  • one or more SSPMs 24 are placed within a common chassis 30 and a common backplane 32 .
  • SSPMs 24 having a variety of power characteristics that are available for assembly and can be interchangeably used at various locations within the power distribution unit 10 ( FIG. 1 ), and more specifically within the power section 22 ( FIG. 1 ).
  • the ability to selectively configure the SSPMs 24 having various power characteristics provides assembling flexibility and a more diverse set of power characteristics to employ in the power distribution unit 10 .
  • the SSPMs 24 are reusable clusters that may be installed in various configurations on the common chassis 30 and the common backplane 32 .
  • first SSPM family 40 and a second SSPM family 42 are illustrated and it is shown that the first SSPM family 40 and the second SSPM family 42 each include distinct SSPMs 24 that are interchangeable, such that a first SSPM 24 could be positioned in replacement of a second SSPM 24 , if an alteration of power characteristics for a particular application was desired.
  • a consistent communication control interface is employed. By providing consistent communication control, regardless of the specific SSPM 24 arrangement, greater assembly flexibility is available without requiring rearrangement or alteration of the control interface. It is to be understood that the illustrated embodiments include two SSPMs, however, any number of SSPMs may be employed to comprise the SSPM family.
  • the SSPM families 40 , 42 may be part of a power block that provides functionality within the power distribution unit 10 .
  • the term “power block” conceptually refers to hardware structure that functionally monitors and protects at least one load, but typically a plurality of load circuits. Nominally, this may include solid state power controllers (SSPCs), control logic, processing logic, internal communications busses, and power supplies to power various control elements.
  • the protected load is any device that consumes power. This can be as simple as a resistive heating element in an air data probe, a light bulb disposed in the application, such as an aircraft, or as complex as a motor controller used to drive a hydraulic pump.
  • the SSPCs 26 By monitoring and controlling operating conditions that loads and power distribution units are encountering, the SSPCs 26 have the ability to quickly and flexibly switch power sources and limit or disrupt power to selected loads in the event of harmful operating conditions.
  • the power distribution unit 10 also includes a combination of remote data concentration modules and remote power control modules that are not in direct contact with the power distribution unit 10 , but are in operable communication with the power distribution unit.
  • the remote data concentration modules and the remote power control modules are configured to facilitate remote control of the various circuit protections that the power distribution unit 10 provides. This is particularly useful in applications such as the instant case, where the spaces in which the power distribution unit 10 is disposed may be difficult to access, or even completely inaccessible during operation.
  • the power distribution unit 10 has been previously described and specific components need not be described in further detail.
  • the method includes packaging a first plurality of SSPCs 50 to form a first SSPM.
  • the specific SSPCs packaged to form the first SSPM provides a first set of power characteristics.
  • packaging a second plurality of SSPCs 52 to form a second SSPM provides a second set of power characteristics. Based on the application of use, at least one of the first SSPM and the second SSPM is selectively placed 54 within the chassis to form a power block.
  • the method includes controlling 56 a SSPM family with a control interface that provides consistent communication control. Additionally, the SSPM may be remotely controlled 58 with a remote data module and/or a remote power control module.
  • the previously described packaging scheme for the power distribution unit 10 adequately addresses tight spatial constraints imposed in certain applications, while also providing a consistent communication control with the control interface that communicates with the power block.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Remote Monitoring And Control Of Power-Distribution Networks (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
US13/421,233 2011-03-16 2012-03-15 Power distribution unit and method of distributing high density power Expired - Fee Related US9271423B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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US13/421,233 US9271423B2 (en) 2011-03-16 2012-03-15 Power distribution unit and method of distributing high density power

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201161453249P 2011-03-16 2011-03-16
US13/421,233 US9271423B2 (en) 2011-03-16 2012-03-15 Power distribution unit and method of distributing high density power

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US20120235496A1 US20120235496A1 (en) 2012-09-20
US9271423B2 true US9271423B2 (en) 2016-02-23

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EP (1) EP2501210A3 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10524377B2 (en) 2018-01-31 2019-12-31 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Power distribution unit with interior busbars
US10826782B2 (en) 2018-10-30 2020-11-03 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a controller module
US10838476B2 (en) 2017-11-24 2020-11-17 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a power distribution circuit
US10838477B2 (en) 2017-11-24 2020-11-17 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a power distribution circuit
US10983495B2 (en) 2017-11-24 2021-04-20 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a controller module
US12617298B2 (en) 2022-08-15 2026-05-05 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Power district architecture for a vehicle

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI547052B (zh) 2015-12-08 2016-08-21 台達電子工業股份有限公司 電源分配器與故障檢測方法
US10202088B2 (en) 2016-01-15 2019-02-12 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Combined remote sensing, processing, and solid state power control system

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US3721890A (en) * 1972-03-27 1973-03-20 Electric Regulator Corp Power supply for a.c. and d.c. drive
US6344912B1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2002-02-05 Versatile Optical Networks Hybrid and scalable opto-electronic processing in a wavelength-division multiplexed system
US20020049958A1 (en) * 1999-12-28 2002-04-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Logical synthesizing apparatus for converting a hardware functional description into gate-level circuit information
US6856045B1 (en) * 2002-01-29 2005-02-15 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Power distribution assembly with redundant architecture
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US20070233781A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-10-04 Spectra Logic Corporation High density array system having multiple storage units with active movable media drawers
US20080234838A1 (en) * 2007-03-21 2008-09-25 Milind Ghanekar Integrated electrical power distribution system using common building blocks
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US7492604B2 (en) * 2006-04-21 2009-02-17 Motorola, Inc. Electronic module interconnection apparatus
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US20100195289A1 (en) * 2009-01-30 2010-08-05 Dialogic Corporation Modular front-panel connectivity on standard architecture server appliances
US20120232728A1 (en) * 2011-03-10 2012-09-13 Karimi Kamiar J Vehicle Electrical Power Management and Distribution

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US6865080B2 (en) * 2002-01-16 2005-03-08 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Compact fluid cooled power converter supporting multiple circuit boards

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3300686A (en) * 1963-07-30 1967-01-24 Ibm Compatible packaging of miniaturized circuit modules
US3721890A (en) * 1972-03-27 1973-03-20 Electric Regulator Corp Power supply for a.c. and d.c. drive
US20020049958A1 (en) * 1999-12-28 2002-04-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Logical synthesizing apparatus for converting a hardware functional description into gate-level circuit information
US6344912B1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2002-02-05 Versatile Optical Networks Hybrid and scalable opto-electronic processing in a wavelength-division multiplexed system
US6856045B1 (en) * 2002-01-29 2005-02-15 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Power distribution assembly with redundant architecture
US20050050356A1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-03-03 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Secure transfer of host identities
US7665071B1 (en) * 2003-12-11 2010-02-16 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Management object model for performing management of a computer system
US20070233781A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-10-04 Spectra Logic Corporation High density array system having multiple storage units with active movable media drawers
US7492604B2 (en) * 2006-04-21 2009-02-17 Motorola, Inc. Electronic module interconnection apparatus
US20080234838A1 (en) * 2007-03-21 2008-09-25 Milind Ghanekar Integrated electrical power distribution system using common building blocks
US20090020608A1 (en) * 2007-04-05 2009-01-22 Bennett Jon C R Universal memory socket and card and system for using the same
US20100195289A1 (en) * 2009-01-30 2010-08-05 Dialogic Corporation Modular front-panel connectivity on standard architecture server appliances
US20120232728A1 (en) * 2011-03-10 2012-09-13 Karimi Kamiar J Vehicle Electrical Power Management and Distribution

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10838476B2 (en) 2017-11-24 2020-11-17 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a power distribution circuit
US10838477B2 (en) 2017-11-24 2020-11-17 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a power distribution circuit
US10983495B2 (en) 2017-11-24 2021-04-20 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a controller module
US11762357B2 (en) 2017-11-24 2023-09-19 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a controller module
US10524377B2 (en) 2018-01-31 2019-12-31 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Power distribution unit with interior busbars
US11109504B2 (en) 2018-01-31 2021-08-31 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Power distribution unit with interior busbars
US10826782B2 (en) 2018-10-30 2020-11-03 Ge Aviation Systems Limited Method and apparatus for initializing a controller module
US12617298B2 (en) 2022-08-15 2026-05-05 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Power district architecture for a vehicle

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US20120235496A1 (en) 2012-09-20
EP2501210A2 (fr) 2012-09-19
EP2501210A3 (fr) 2017-04-26

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