Power distribution arrangement especially in an aircraft

Abstract

A power distribution arrangement, especially in an aircraft, includes plural power sources, a power line having plural power supply strands connected to the power sources, plural power consumer groups each including plural power consuming devices, and branch lines respectively connecting the power line with the power consumer groups. A respective allocation unit selectively interconnects the power consuming devices of each group with selected individual branch line strands of the branch lines. A status unit acquires information regarding the respective operating status of the power sources and the power line strands, and conveys corresponding information regarding a power failure on any power line strand to a central power control unit, which correspondingly transmits control commands over a control bus to the respective allocation units. In response to the control commands, each allocation unit automatically disconnects power consuming devices from any power line strand that has failed and reconnects the devices to another power line strand that is still operating properly. In this manner, the allocation of power consuming devices to the several power line strands can be reconfigured automatically or by manual inputs without requiring a mechanical rearrangement of power system components, and it is possible to a large extent to ensure that power will continue to be provided to important power consuming devices despite the failure of any one or more power supply circuits or branches.