Monitoring in 400Hz networks

Application example in the aviation industry

Basic

With the exception of a few special applications, power distribution systems worldwide operate at 50Hz or 60Hz. In the aviation and marine industries, where 400Hz networks are used to increase efficiency, this is different. This may be a challenge, as most of the measuring instruments available on the market are for applications in the 50 and 60 Hz range.

Misjudgement

It is often heard that the fundamental frequency is not important in the AC grid. Therefore, a measurement system used would be suitable for any frequency range. However, the non-compliant use of 50/60Hz meters in 400Hz networks leads to measurement errors. Worse still, this can lead to functional failures with the consequence of increased time expenditure and additional costs. Measuring devices designed for 400Hz applications must therefore be equipped with special hardware and firmware features with regard to measured value determination and synchronisation.

Voltage dip in the 400Hz range between passenger boarding bridge and terminal

Energy consumption measurement at the passenger boarding bridge

An elementary aspect is the determination of the energy consumption of auxiliary equipment in the area of the passenger bridge (English: Cross Boarding Bridge). These bridges are often rented or leased by the airlines. Energy costs incurred while an aircraft is parked at the passenger boarding bridge are added to the rent or lease. It was often observed that the costs were determined on the basis of estimates. Due to the lack or absence of metering systems (issue 400Hz), neither landlords nor their tenants had access to accurate consumption data. A consumption-based calculation was therefore impossible. It should also be noted that the energy demand per aircraft type varies. A wide-body aircraft, for example, consumes far more than a regional jet. This gives rise to a natural interest on the part of all contract participants to act with corresponding price certainty on the basis of real data.

Solution

With the help of the monitoring functions of e.g. one of the MAVOWATT 270-400 (400Hz), airport management, maintenance teams as well as the airlines can be enabled to accurately record the actual energy consumption and other essential parameters. These are then used to determine the exact price and can also be used for optimisation purposes and load regulation. The possible time period for recording energy consumption data ranges from short-term to long-term measurement.

Conclusion

The parameters to be considered for monitoring the power supply networks as well as the power quality in the aviation sector are the same as in 50- and 60Hz systems. However, due to the different types of distribution (400 Hz, 50/60 Hz, DC), specially equipped measuring instruments are necessary for precise measurements. A MAVOWATT 270-400 was developed specifically for such applications, but still offers all the functions for measurements in 50/60 Hz networks, making it the ideal tool for all aerospace applications.