AC/DC Converter Topologies Comparison for More Electric Aircraft Applications

This paper compares the potential AC/DC power converter topologies that are appropriate for medium voltage and medium/high power aircraft applications. The power converter's rated power and the DC distribution voltage level in this application assumed to be 1MW and 3kV. The topologies explored include multi-level and modular converter structures that are connected in series and/or in parallel to achieve the rated power and DC-link voltage. The main aim of this research is to review the AC/DC converters topologies and then select the best candidate for the target application. The loss and efficiency of the converter topologies are determined based on available SiC semiconductor devices. Simulation results obtained using PLECs software are used to compare between different power converter topologies in terms of losses, weight, and power density to identify the best candidate.