Performance evaluation of 3-phase buck-type PWM rectifiers with integratted and symmetrical Boost converter using SiC MOSFETS for aircraft application

This paper investigates the use of a 3-Phase Buck Type PWM Rectifier with an Integrated and symmetrical Boost converter for generation of the +/-270V dc bus used in new aircraft power networks. The two main targets when designing and building power converters for aircraft applications are high reliability and reduced weight. In this study the use of high voltage 1.2kV SiC MOSFET allows the converter to switch at higher frequency with the consequent possibility of employing lighter and smaller passive filters, which significantly reduce size and weight of the converter system. A 4.5kW prototype has been specifically designed and built to demonstrate the performance and advantage of the SiC MOSFET implementation.