Effect of Electrical Generator Parameters on Transient Suppressors

In vehicular and aircraft generating systems, the voltage transient suppressor requirements for protection of utilization loads are generally based on measured values of valtage transients and the generating system impedance. This paper presents an approximate method for determining the suppressor requirements that disregards the generating system impedance. When a voltage surge due to removal of load is suppressed, the greater portion of the removed load current is transferred to the shunt-type suppressor. The influence of generating system voltage regulator design on severity of voltage transients is discussed.     

Zener Diodes as Vehicular and Aircraft Transient Suppressors

The prime purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics and application of high powered Zener diodes as transient suppressors for transients emanating in ground vehicle and aircraft power supplies. Information is presented on voltage transients as specified in MIL-STD-704 for aircraft and MIL-STD-1275(AT) for military ground vehicles and the ability of advanced high power Zener diodes in suppressing the levels of voltages specified therein. A complete transient suppressor capable of operating externally to the equipment intended for protection is also described.     

The High Power Metal-Oxide Varistor as a Vehicular and Aircrcraft Transient Suppessor

The shunt-type transient suppressor currently being used by the U.S. Army for suppression of voltage transients in tactical and combat vehicles is applicable to military aircraft as well. Advances in metal-oxide varistor technology have led to the development of a low-cost, low-voltage device having a breakdown voltage designed for use in 28-V dc electrical systems. This paper discusses the avalanche diode and the metal-oxide varistor as high-power transient suppressors. lt shows that the metal-oxide varistor has a less effective voltage clamp at the required breakdown level of 33 to 36 volts.     

Advances in Zener Diode Vehicular and Aircraft Transient Suppressors

The prime purpose of this paper is to describe the advances in Zener diode transient suppressors for ground vehicle and aircraft application. The evolution of the transient suppressor development for the U.S. Army is presented with emphasis on space, weight, and cost considerations. Improvements including an electronic thermal switch and a "battle override" switch are also described. A futuristic transient suppressor of modular design developed for use as an integral part of the equipment being protected is functionally described.