Serial Arc Faults in Future Embedded HVDC Networks : a Study in the Context of More Electric Aircraft (MEA)

The growing emergence of electric aircraft in the aviation industry is driven by their ability to offer a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. This transition to more electric power is accompanied by a move to higher voltage (HV) distribution networks, and a greater reliance on direct-current (DC). However, the deployment of HVDC distribution at elevated altitudes introduces new significant challenges, such as promoting the occurrence of arc faults. This paper investigates the series arc faults potentially encountered in future aircraft networks operating at 540 VDC, comparing them with lower voltage distributions of 120 VDC, considering two current values 10A and 50A, and taking into account high-altitude flight conditions for two pressure values 1000 hPa and 200 hPa. The study analyzes the variations in electrical current characteristics resulting from serial arcing faults under different experimental conditions. To this end, an experimental device that generates series arcs by contact separation was deployed in a low-pressure chamber. The results of this research indicate that in the case of 540 VDC supply voltage, the fluctuation in electric current at the time of arc onset is notably minimal and falling within the noise range of current measurement. This current variation is more pronounced at lower supply voltages (120 VDC). Furthermore, the results suggest that pressure under similar operating conditions has no perceptible impact on the sudden current variation at the moment of arcing.