A method of electrically powering an electrical load in an aircraft, the method including electrically powering the electrical load with a main source that generates electricity; measuring an instantaneous parameter characterizing the main source; determining a level of use of the main source from the measured instantaneous parameter; adjusting the voltage of the main source as a function of the level of use; measuring an output voltage from the main source; comparing the measured voltage or the level of use with a predetermined threshold value; and whenever the measured voltage is less than the predetermined threshold value, electrically powering the electrical load from an auxiliary source that stores electricity so as to supply additional electric power to the electrical load.

Apparatus for controlling a power generation system, the apparatus comprising a controller configured to: identify a trigger indicative of a future change in electrical power output by the power generation system to a first power level; control the power generation system to change electrical power output to a second power level in response to the trigger, the second power level being equal to, or different to the first power level; and control supply of at least a portion of the electrical power output from the power generation system at the second power level to an electrical energy storage system to charge the electrical energy storage system.

Apparatus for controlling a power generation system, the apparatus comprising a controller configured to: identify a trigger indicative of a future change in electrical power output by the power generation system to a first power level; control the power generation system to change electrical power output to a second power level in response to the trigger, the second power level being equal to, or different to the first power level; and control supply of at least a portion of the electrical power output from the power generation system at the second power level to an electrical energy storage system to charge the electrical energy storage system.

A solid state power controller configured to supply electric power from a power supply to at least one load, comprises: a solid state switching device having a first terminal (D) connected to the power supply, and a second terminal (S) connected to the load, the solid state switching device configured to switch between an OFF operation mode in which the second terminal (S) is electrically disconnected from the power supply, and an ON operation mode in which the second terminal (S) is electrically connected to the power supply, and a load current detection unit configured to detect a load current through the solid state switching device; wherein the load current detection unit comprises a first load current amplifier and a second load current amplifier.

A solid state power controller configured to supply electric power from a power supply to at least one load, comprises: a solid state switching device having a first terminal (D) connected to the power supply, and a second terminal (S) connected to the load, the solid state switching device configured to switch between an OFF operation mode in which the second terminal (S) is electrically disconnected from the power supply, and an ON operation mode in which the second terminal (S) is electrically connected to the power supply, and a load current detection unit configured to detect a load current through the solid state switching device; wherein the load current detection unit comprises a first load current amplifier and a second load current amplifier.

A method and apparatus for operating a power system architecture including an electrical power storage system, a power distribution bus selectively connected with the electrical power storage device, a hydraulic pump selectively connected with the electrical power storage device and a controller module communicatively connected with the electrical power storage system and the hydraulic pump.

A method and apparatus for operating a power system architecture including an electrical power storage system, a power distribution bus selectively connected with the electrical power storage device, a hydraulic pump selectively connected with the electrical power storage device and a controller module communicatively connected with the electrical power storage system and the hydraulic pump.

A method for high speed switching comprises receiving voltage inputs at a bridge rectifier, receiving a logic input signal at an optical isolator and generating an output signal from the optical isolator based on the logic input signal, and driving a gate of a field effect transistor (FET) via the output signal of the optical isolator, wherein a source of the FET is connected to a negative output of the bridge rectifier and a drain of the FET is connected to a positive output of the bridge rectifier through a load. The method further includes limiting current flowing to the gate of the FET through first and second resistors and first and second diodes connecting the voltage inputs to the gate of the FET and limiting voltage to the gate of the FET below a maximum voltage rating of the FET by a Zener diode connected to the gate of the FET.

A method for high speed switching comprises receiving voltage inputs at a bridge rectifier, receiving a logic input signal at an optical isolator and generating an output signal from the optical isolator based on the logic input signal, and driving a gate of a field effect transistor (FET) via the output signal of the optical isolator, wherein a source of the FET is connected to a negative output of the bridge rectifier and a drain of the FET is connected to a positive output of the bridge rectifier through a load. The method further includes limiting current flowing to the gate of the FET through first and second resistors and first and second diodes connecting the voltage inputs to the gate of the FET and limiting voltage to the gate of the FET below a maximum voltage rating of the FET by a Zener diode connected to the gate of the FET.

In a particular illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an inter-island power transmission system is disclosed. An electronic box is placed on each end of a medium voltage three phase power cable running between two islands. The electronic box senses an open cable on the three phase cable and switches to direct current power transmission on the remaining two good cables. The direct current power is converted back to three phase power transmission on the receiving end of the direct current power.