SMART POWER ARCHITECTURE FOR INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION

Curtiss-Wright has developed an advanced Smart Power Architecture for Intelligent Power Distribution, based on our Intelligent Power Distribution Demonstration (iPDD) and experience in providing power distribution components specifically for Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) vehicles. The challenges of power distribution and management in ground vehicles are presented, including issues of scalability, warfighter burden, and the complexity of distributing multiple vehicle power sources. The fundamental building blocks of Smart Power are described, including Power Distribution Units, Power Conditioning Units, and types of Power Conversion Units (AC/DC, DC/DC, DC/AC). A Smart Power Reference Architecture will be presented, showing how it enables scalable and modular power distribution systems. How modular Smart Power Architecture can enable commonality across vehicles and applications. How it can provide automatic and programmable load management, including startup and shutdown sequencing, event triggered load control, and automatic configuration for vehicle operational modes. How multiple power sources can be used to provide uninterrupted vehicle power, including off-vehicle scavenged power. How power sensitive loads can be integrated into traditional unconditioned power, allowing for cost and SWaP savings. How the Smart Power Architecture integrates with the US Army’s VICTORY Architecture. How it integrates with and enables vehicle prognostic and diagnostics. How the Smart Power Architecture for Intelligent Power Distribution ultimately provides better value to the warfighter.