Aircraft 270VDC power distribution improvements using wide band gap semi-conductors

In the frame of MEA (More Electrical Aircraft), the use of HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) power distribution is a major topic for airliners and tier 1 manufacturers. This paper presents the effort made by NE (Nexter Electronics) on the last 10 years to improve the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the main functions using High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) local power networks, mainly on ancillaries (green taxiing, spoiler and aileron command and control, bleed less) and More Electrical (ME) engines (fuel pumps, anti-icing). The HVDC topics presented include: Power bus generation, Power bus protection, Load management and Energy Recovery. The improvements introduced by the use of Wide Band Gap (WBG) power switches on HVDC power network management are highlighted, mainly in terms of power network stability and power density into the main functions implemented: drivers, converter and Solid State Power Controller (SSPC).