Modelling Inductive Sensors for Arc Fault Detection in Aviation

Abstract

Modern aircraft are being equipped with high-voltage and direct current (HVDC) architectures to address the increase in electrical power. Unfortunately, the rise of voltage in low pressure environments brings about a problem with unexpected ionisation phenomena such as arcing. Series arcs in HVDC cannot be detected with conventional means, and finding methods to avoid the potentially catastrophic hazards of these events becomes critical to assure further development of more electric and all electric aviation. Inductive sensors are one of the most promising detectors in terms of sensitivity, cost, weight and adaptability to the circuit wiring in aircraft electric systems. In particular, the solutions based on the detection of the high-frequency (HF) pulses created by the arc have been found to be good candidates in practical applications. This paper proposes a method for designing series arc fault inductive sensors able to capture the aforementioned HF pulses. The methodology relies on modelling the parameters of the sensor based on the physics that intervenes in the HF pulses interaction with the sensor itself. To this end, a comparative analysis with different topologies is carried out. For every approach, the key parameters influencing the HF pulses detection are studied theoretically, modelled with a finite elements method and tested in the laboratory in terms of frequency response. The final validation tests were conducted using the prototypes in real cases of detection of DC series arcs.