New Technology for Electrical Power Generation & Distribution Systems in Small, Turbine Powered Aircraft

General Dynamics, Airborne Electronic Systems in Redmond, Washington has recently developed new and innovative solutions for electrical power generation and distribution systems in small, turbine powered aircraft.

The power generation systems utilize permanent magnet (PM) starter/generator (S/G) technology to achieve significantly lighter weight and higher reliability than conventional, brush-type aircraft generators. A Power Conversion Unit (PCU) is utilized in conjunction with the PM machine to provide accurately regulated and filtered aircraft power.

The power distribution systems use Electronic Circuit Breakers (ECBs) that significantly reduce system weight and cost while enhancing reliability and flexibility. The ECBs are solid-state devices, are software programmable and communicate over a serial data bus. The use of these “smart” ECBs enable automated control and monitoring and are essential to the creation of an integrated aircraft computer system that enhances functionality while reducing pilot workload.