ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS INC — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: AFX20D-TCSO1

Description

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.