Design and Analysis of EMI Absorbing Composites for Electric Aircraft

Wide bandgap semiconductor (WBG) based power converters are suitable for electric aircraft because they enable high power density designs. However, due to their high switching frequency operation and high dv/dt, WBG converters generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) radiation. These radiated EMI can negatively impact power electronic components and control system, and pose risk to the overall electric aircraft. Therefore, it is essential to reduce EMI radiation of power electronic converter modules. In this study, we numerically analyze composite materials that absorb EMI radiation. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to identify the required electrical and magnetic properties of the composites that enable maximum EMI absorption at frequencies ranging from 1 MHz to 3 GHz.