Modeling nonlinear loads for aerospace power systems

More and more electronic equipment is being added to airplane electrical systems. The addition of these nonlinear loads could result in a number of power quality problems when the system is fully integrated. These disturbances include excessive harmonic distortion, voltage sags, transient voltages outside specified limits, and power transfer problems. We will describe modeling and simulation of nonlinear loads for aerospace power systems using Saber simulation software. These modeling tools help in developing and validating requirements, predicting power quality disturbances before the power system is fully integrated, troubleshooting once the system is fully integrated, and verification of the system. We will describe modeling a suite of nonlinear single phase and three-phase loads including various types of rectifiers including 6-pulse, 12-pulse, and 18-pulse circuits. We will also present system simulation studies using these nonlinear models and various types of linear models. System studies include the use of corrective measures such as the use active power factor correction (PFC) circuits that are used to reduce harmonic distortion.