Brief introduction of aircraft power distribution system

Conversion, transmission, distribution, control and protection system of aircraft generator and electric energy from ground or emergency power supply (see aircraft electrical system). It consists of feeder cable, bus, switchboard and power distribution device. The power distribution system ensures the reliable transmission and distribution of energy to all parts of the aircraft, manages various electrical loads and protects electrical equipment.

Since the 1940s, with the improvement of aircraft electrical system, aircraft power distribution equipment began to be serialized. Standards and specifications were formulated in the mid-1950s. With the development of large aircraft, the weight of power distribution system occupies a major position in the total weight of aircraft power supply system. Some planes have thousands of circuit breakers, and the cable weight accounts for 70% of the total weight of the power supply system. At the end of 1960s, aircraft power distribution developed to solid-state power distribution controlled by multiplex transmission bus. Since 1970s, the electrical system has been cross-linked with electronics, weapons and control systems through multiple buses and controlled by computers.