Arc fault detection for SSPC based electrical power distribution systems

摘要

An apparatus and a method detect arc faults in an electrical power distribution system of a vehicle. In one implementation, the apparatus (320) includes: a load current input (340) arranged to obtain a measurement of current being supplied to a load (140) via a solid state power switching device (310) of the electrical power distribution system; and an arc fault detector (330) arranged to compare the measured load current with a load signature, the load signature being a function of characteristics of the load (140) being supplied current via the solid state power switching device (310) and operating conditions of the solid state power switching device (310). The arc fault detector (330) outputs an arc fault indication signal when the measured current is outside an allowable range of the load signature to provide protection against arc faults.