Comparative Investigation of SiC Current Source Converter and Matrix Converter Topologies for Medium-Voltage Electric Aircraft Propulsion

Medium-voltage electric propulsion is a promising technology to enable the electrification of aircraft, especially for twin-aisle aircraft. The performance of the medium-voltage power converter plays a critical role in the overall electric propulsion performance. To pursue higher efficiency, reliability, and power density, this paper investigates the comparison of the current source converter, direct and indirect matrix converters, with respect to a multilevel voltage source converter. The emerging Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET modules are used to configure the power converters to achieve higher efficiency and power density. All these converters are modeled and simulated for a megawatt-scale propulsion drive system rated at medium voltage. Simulation results are presented and analyzed to provide a reference for the future aircraft propulsion designs.