Power Interconnect

Description

The Power Interconnect is a connector component that bridges two Power Bus networks together, enabling power to flow between separate electrical systems. It extends the Power Switch component and uses a hive/drone architecture where one bus runs the combined circuit simulation while the other contributes its components to the shared network.

Example Use Cases

  • Docking Operations: Connect spacecraft power systems during docking to share power resources.
  • Modular Power Networks: Bridge separate power buses on a space station with multiple modules.
  • Redundant Power Systems: Create configurable connections between primary and backup power systems.

Module Implementation

Linking Power Buses

Two Power Interconnect components are required to bridge power buses—one on each bus. The Link method connects the connectors and establishes the hive/drone relationship:

  • Hive Bus: Runs the SPICE simulation for the combined circuit
  • Drone Bus: Contributes its components to the hive’s network

Both connectors must be wired into their respective buses before linking. When linked, the IsLinked flag becomes true and LinkedConnector references the paired connector.

Unlinking

The Unlink method separates the two power buses, restoring them to independent operation. Each bus returns to running its own simulation.

Terminal Usage

The interconnect has specific terminal conventions:

  • In Terminal: Used for connecting other components on the same bus (local wiring)
  • Out Terminal: Reserved exclusively for the cross-bus link created by Link

Wire upstream components to the connector’s In terminal, then call Link to pair with the other bus.

Cross-Spacecraft Power Transfer

When two interconnects are linked across different spacecraft, power transfer is only permitted when the spacecraft are physically docked. The CanTransferPower method returns whether the link can currently conduct power:

  • For same-spacecraft links, power can always transfer when linked.
  • For cross-spacecraft links, docking is required unless the AllowWirelessPowerTransfer flag is enabled on either interconnect.

The IsCrossSpacecraft method determines whether the linked pair spans different root spacecraft, and IsPhysicallyDocked checks whether those spacecraft are connected via docking.

Internal Components

The interconnect contains an internal resistor with a default resistance of 10 mΩ. When the switch is open (inherited from Power Switch), the resistance is set to to block current flow.

Assumptions/Limitations

  • Both connectors must be wired into separate power buses before linking.
  • Two buses that are each already part of different hive networks cannot be linked together.
  • The Out terminal cannot be used for local bus wiring via ConnectTerminals; it is reserved for the cross-bus link.
  • Cross-spacecraft power transfer requires physical docking unless wireless transfer is explicitly enabled.
  • The component functions as an ideal connector with minimal power loss from the configured resistance.