CONTROL APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COMMUTATING FAULT CURRENTS IN AN ALTERNATOR-FED DC POWER SUPPLY

摘要

G-7718 C-4341 CONTROL APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COMMUTATING FAULT CURRENTS IN AN ALTERNATOR-FED DC POWER SUPPLY Control apparatus for detecting and responding to the occurrence of fault current in alternator-fed DC power supplies without the use of fuses. The existence of a fault condition caused by rectifier shorting is detected by providing at least two sets of alternator output windings and comparing like phase currents of different winding sets. In fault conditions, the difference between like phase currents far exceeds that observed during normal operating conditions, giving rise to the detection of a failed rectifier. In response to a detected rectifier failure, a Field Protection Circuit effects a controlled shut down of the alternator field winding energization circuit to prevent damage to the mechanical and electrical circuit elements of the alternator.