Multi-use 48-kW power electronics for future aerospace applications

In the frame of the more electric aircraft and to achieve the goal of replacing hydraulic systems by electrical ones, the power density is one of the major key parameters for electrical designs. Recent advances in predevelopment activities and technologies allow today to be competitive in term of performances and weight with the existing solutions. The paper deals with the development of power electronics converter dedicated to aerospace application like environmental conditioning system and starter generator. The presented power electronic is based on a common platform where converters have been designed for ± 270 VDC network (230 VAC rectified) in duplex architecture, with and without HV input filter and inrush current limiter depending on the application. The presented GRA and SGO systems and inverters are designed and tested for flight demonstration. Descriptions of the E-ECS system and dedicated inverter are given. Many electrical (normal and abnormal steady state conditions, power input, voltage transient, etc.) and environmental (temperature, EMC, vibrations, etc.) tests according to aerospace standards are accomplished successfully: the unit shows through all these tests a high degree of maturity that is necessary to translate the research and development activities into future products. The flight test demonstration is also addressed.