Power quality analysis in a CC-130 Hercules aircraft power distribution system

Power system studies can provide useful information on the performance of existing or future systems during normal or abnormal operating conditions. Harmonics and overvoltage transients are two major system characteristics, which can significantly influence system performance. The sources of these undesirable characteristics are many and varied, including transformers, switching transients, nonlinear loads, and devices such as the static power converter. The future use of nonlinear loads is expected to increase since these loads are generally highly efficient. Unfortunately, as the use of these loads increase, waveform distortion is expected to rise. This rise will certainly influence overall system performance unless adequate measures are adapted to control and maintain power quality.; Future advanced aircraft avionics systems will require reliable, redundant, and uninterruptable electrical power to supply flight and mission critical loads. The Canadian Forces CC-130 Hercules aircraft fleet is scheduled for an avionics update which will include sophisticated sensitive avionics equipment. The power quality required for this update may not be adequate since the existing electrical distribution system was designed to satisfy load requirements of the 1950's.; This thesis describes the use of MicrotranRTM, a transients analysis simulation program, and the development of a laboratory model to predict the CC-130 Hercules aircraft electrical switching transients and steady-state response, including voltage and current harmonic levels on the power distribution system using tabulated equipment load data. The simulation and laboratory results are then compared for validation with field measurement data.