A SiC based 2-Level Power Converter for Shape-and-Space-Restricted Aerospace Applications

U. Nasir, S. Chowdhury, A. La Rocca, Y. Chen, P. Wheeler, C. Gerada, S. Bozhko, T. Yang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent advancements in the power electronic device technologies, such as wide-band-gap devices including Silicon-Carbide (SiC) and Galium-Nitride (GaN), are acting as an enabling factor in development of compact power electronic systems. More specifically, the concept of More Electric Aircraft (MEA), which requires the aircraft's pneumatic systems to be replaced by electrical systems, can therefore greatly benefit from these emerging technologies in reduction of weight and volume of the aircraft such that range of aircraft can be increased. Various functions of aircraft e.g. actuation and engine-starting in MEAs are performed by power electronic converter based systems. With SiC and GaN devices, converters with densities even up to 70kW/L are easily achievable only when the envelope of the converter is cubical and not restricted. However, in case when a specific envelope is provided by the aircraft manufacturer, the component selection, layout and the design of power electronic converter to achieve high power density, within the restricted envelope, becomes extremely challenging. This paper presents the design of a circular-shaped 17.5kW/L - 97.6% efficient- SiC based two-level (2L) inverter for aircraft applications. Furthermore, the feasibility and design of the converter are supported by the experimental results rated at a power of 13kW.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 IEEE 13th International Conference on Power Electronics and Drive Systems, PEDS 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781538664995
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2019
Event13th IEEE International Conference on Power Electronics and Drive Systems, PEDS 2019 - Toulouse, France
Duration: 9 Jul 201912 Jul 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Conference on Power Electronics and Drive Systems
Volume2019-July
ISSN (Print)2164-5256
ISSN (Electronic)2164-5264

Conference

Conference13th IEEE International Conference on Power Electronics and Drive Systems, PEDS 2019
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityToulouse
Period9/07/1912/07/19

Keywords

  • SiC gate drive
  • power converter in aircraft
  • space-restricted SiC design
  • two-level SiC converter

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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