The Power Rack comprises an optimised mix of QM special test equipment and off-the-shelf equipment. A main component is the High Current Relay Multiplexer. QM developed the High Current Relay Multiplexer for use on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project but it is also applicable to other projects. Controlled from a PC via a serial bus this high-power switching instrument is capable of switching up to 300A at 270V DC, (this is comparable to power of 3 homes). The system is modular and can be configured for up to 112 switches internally with the capability of also driving external switching as required so it can be used as the basis for testing many different power systems developments.

The safety considerations of operating with such large currents around are of paramount importance. One tool in the safety armoury is the Mains Power Control Unit. This contains a host of sophisticated safety features designed to protect the user, and the equipment itself. Designed to meet ISO EN 60950 and 60204, the unit monitors numerous types of input including voltage, current, temperature, smoke and condensation. In case of failure of some part of itself there are two parallel safety-critical interlock routes with a sophisticated scheme of cross monitoring to insure against a failure in one going unnoticed.

Each of these special units is designed for flexibility and re-use and is incorporated in the Power Rack which, currently designed for JSF, would be, largely reusable for future projects.

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