Power management and distribution system having a fault detection and isolation assembly and method

A power management and distribution system having a fault detection and isolation assembly comprising:

• at least one source block having a plurality of power distribution lines, wherein each of the plurality of power distribution lines includes a distribution switch and a source switch;
• a plurality of load blocks, each of the plurality of load blocks in operable communication with at least one of the plurality of power distribution lines and having a plurality of load block power output lines, wherein each of the plurality of load block power output lines includes a load switch;
• a plurality of loads carried power by at least one of the plurality of load block power output lines;
• and
• a protection logic unit comprising at least one algorithm for comparing a power characteristic to a power characteristic threshold at a plurality of locations, wherein the protection logic unit selectively determines which of the source switch, the distribution switches and the load switches are opened.

A method of fault detection and isolation for a power management and distribution system comprising:

• carrying power from a power source through at least one source switch to at least one source block;
• carrying power from the at least one source block directly to a load block;
• carrying power from the at least one load block through at least one load switch to a load;
• measuring a power characteristic at a plurality of locations along a power path and calculating a power characteristic difference between at least two of the plurality of locations;
• comparing the power characteristic difference to a power characteristic threshold;
• and
• opening at least one of the at least one source switch, the at least one distribution switch and the at least one load switch if the power characteristic difference exceeds the power characteristic threshold.