Modular power distribution system and methods
A modular power distribution system comprises a chassis; and a backplane including a power input, and a plurality of module connection locations. A plurality of modules are mounted in the chassis, each module mounted to one of the module connection locations. Each module includes: (i) an OR-ing diode; (ii) a circuit protection device; (iii) a microprocessor controlling the circuit protection device; and (iv) a power output connection location. A circuit option switch is located on each module for setting the current limits for each module. A control module is provided connected to the backplane.
1. A modular power distribution system comprising:
(a) a chassis;
(b) a backplane including:
(i) a power input;
(ii) a plurality of module connection locations;
(c) a plurality of modules mounted in the chassis, each module mounted to one of the module connection locations, each module including:
(i) an OR-ing diode;
(ii) a circuit protection device operable at a plurality of selectable trip levels;
(iii) a microprocessor controlling the circuit protection device; and
(iv) a power output connection location.
2. The modular power distribution system of claim 1 , further comprising a current limit option switch located on each module.
3. The modular power distribution system of claim 1 , further comprising a redundant power input connected to the backplane.
4. The modular power distribution system of claim 1 , further comprising a control module mounted in the chassis.
5. The modular power distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the circuit protection device includes a solid state breaker device.
6. The modular power distribution system of claim 1 , wherein each module includes:
(a) an over voltage sensor;
(b) an under voltage sensor; and
(c) a temperature sensor.
7. The modular power distribution system of chain 1 , further comprising a load dependent trip control device.
8. A modular power distribution system comprising:
(a) a chassis having a front opening;
(b) a backplane positioned opposite to the front opening including:
(i) a power input;
(ii) a plurality of module connection locations;
(c) a plurality of modules mounted within the chassis, each module having a front and a rear and mounted to one of the module connection locations, each module including:
(i) a rear connector located at the rear of the module for connecting to the backplane to receive input power from the power input;
(ii) a circuit protection device on the main body connected to the rear connector;
(iii) a front panel located at the front of the module;
(iv) a power output connection location located on the front panel connected to the circuit protection device;
(d) a microprocessor controlling the circuit protection device located in at least one of the plurality of modules, the microprocessor selecting a trip level for the circuit protection device from among a plurality of selectable trip levels.
9. The modular power distribution system of claim 8 , further comprising a microprocessor included in each module for controlling the circuit protection device and a circuit option switch located on each module.
10. The modular power distribution system of claim 8 , further comprising a redundant power input connected to the backplane.
11. The modular power distribution system of claim 8 , further comprising a control module mounted in the chassis.
12. The modular power distribution system of claim 8 , wherein the circuit protection device includes a solid state breaker device.
13. The modular power distribution system of claim 8 , wherein each module includes:
(a) an over voltage sensor;
(b) an under voltage sensor; and
(c) a temperature sensor.
14. The modular power distribution system of claim 8 , further comprising a load dependent trip control device.
15. The modular power distribution system of claim 8 , wherein the power input is located on a rearward facing surface of the backplane.
16. The modular power distribution system of claim 8 , wherein the power input includes a front accessible input power connector located adjacent to the front opening.
17. A method for assembly of a power distribution system comprising:
(a) providing a chassis having a front opening, and a backplane;
(b) selecting a plurality of modules;
(c) mounting each module to the chassis wherein:
(i) each module slides into a front opening of the chassis;
(ii) each module connects to the backplane to provide each module with input power;
(iii) each module includes a circuit protection device controlled by a microprocessor, the circuit protection device operable at a plurality of selectable trip levels;
(iv) each module provides output power along a front panel of each module, protected by the circuit protection device of each module.
18. A modular power distribution system comprising:
(a) a chassis having a front opening;
(b) a backplane positioned opposite to the front opening including:
(i) a power input including a front accessible input power connector located adjacent to the front opening;
(ii) a plurality of module connection locations;
(c) a plurality of modules mounted within the chassis, each module including a front and a rear and mounted to one of the module connection locations, each module including:
(i) a rear connector located at the rear of the module, the rear connector for connecting to the backplane to receive input power from the power input;
(ii) a circuit protection device connected to the rear connector, the circuit protection device operable at a plurality of selectable trip levels;
(iii) a front panel located at the front of the module;
(iv) a power output connection location located on the front panel connected to the circuit protection device.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the microprocessor is programmed to activate the circuit protection device at one of the plurality of selectable trip levels.