Improving System Efficiency for the More Electric Aircraft: A Look at dc\/dc Converters for the Avionic Onboard dc Microgrid

The More Electric Aircraft (MEA) initiative aims to increase the penetration of electrical systems in aircraft to decrease weight and further develop overall efficiency and reliability [1]. Newer aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A380, have more electrical power installed compared with older models, and this trend is not expected to change any time soon. Although most aircraft feature some amount of electrical power, this is often limited to the electronics (i.e., flight or entertainment systems) or auxiliary systems (i.e., lighting or anti-icing). The core systems of the actuation still rely on hydraulic power.