AC and DC Analysis of Aircraft Power Supply - Distribution Management and Control - SSPC - [Wei Ke Wei]
Modern aircraft design has mainly evolved from electromechanical to multi electric system design, which certainly has several benefits (especially weight reduction). However, like any aircraft design, no system can be deployed until it is proven safe, reliable, and capable of maintenance throughout the aircraft's lifespan. In this article, we will conductAnalysis of AC and DC in Aircraft Power SupplyAnd will provide some first level considerations when starting the design process (for a more in-depth discussion on MEA, you can read Victor's)《SSPCRelated articles.Distribution management and controlThe main function of the electrical system is to generate, regulate, and distribute electricity throughout the entire aircraft, and SSPC also became popular at this time. The performance of an aircraft is directly related to the reliability of its electrical systems and subsystems. Generally speaking, aircraft electrical systems use both AC and DC power sources.
AC power supply
Considering the aircraft power system, the AC power source is usually a three-phase star generator, 115VAC, 400Hz. For decades, using a 400Hz power supply has been a standard because smaller and lighter generators can be used to produce power compared to 50/60Hz systems. Although using higher frequencies is not suitable for long-distance power transmission (more sensitive to voltage drops), the advantage of lighter systems is an ideal choice for aerospace applications. The power generation capacity of a generator varies depending on the application, but each generator can exceed 200kVA. For more information on aircraft power systems, please refer to MIL-STD-704: Aircraft Power Characteristics.
DC power supply
When used for power applications (opposite to the signal), the most common DC voltage is 28VDC. The changes in aircraft design and the increase in power consumption have pushed up these voltages (to understand the consequences of higher voltage power system failures, you can read Electromec's 270VDC arc in the aerospace wiring article).
If you need more detailed information and technical issues to discuss, the system engineers at Weke will be happy to join you in the discussion.