OVERCURRENT PROTECTION AND WEAPON SYSTEM ELECTRICAL POWER MANAGEMENT USING SOLID‐STATE POWER CONTROLLERS

Abstract

ABSTRACTModern weapons systems are complex and highly sophisticated. They must respond t o enemy attack in seconds. However, the hundmds o f electrical overcurrent protection devices required can adversely affect the survivability of weapons systems and ships. Small, low‐current circuit breakers trip when exposed to high‐impact shock. Both circuit breakers and fuses require manual repctions to restore protected elements to the operational state; circuit breakers must be reset and fuses must be replaced.The regular design review process for the AEGIS Weapon System Identified Mpping of circuit breakers in AN/SPY‐1A radar electronics cabinets during shock tests as a potential problem area. Plans hnve been submitted that caU for extensive utilization of new electronics technology and the employment of new EIccMcal Power Management (EPOM) Concepts.Low‐current solid‐state electrodc devices developed for the AIR FORCE and NASA should provide the answer to shock‐tripping problems and also eliminate many time‐consuming manual responses. A computer‐controlled EPOM network can automatically switch elecMcal power to hundreds of weapon‐system circuit elements. This concept offers many advantages, all of which improve the survivability of U.S. NAVY ships in the battle environment.