Power Electronics for All-Electric Aircraft: A Review

This paper aims to present the many challenges associated with developing an all-electric aircraft from the point of view of power electronics. In the following years, a suitable electric source is expected to be available for medium-range flights. In regard, it was created the Engineering Research Center for the Aerial Mobility of the Future (ERC-AMF), a joint initiative of FAPESP and Embraer, whose research will be developed by a set of institutions headed by the Instituto Tecnológico da Aeronáutica (ITA) together with the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Regarding the power electronics challenges, one may consider the definition and implementation of the high-voltage dc distribution bus, working like a microgrid to manage the power flow, including sources, storage devices, and backup units, which supply both the propulsion and non-propulsion systems. Due to the power level, and the requirement of mass and volume minimization, the dc bus voltage must be in the kV range. The voltage level and the environmental conditions (pressure and temperature) pose significant problems with electromagnetic compatibility, mainly regarding partial discharges in cabling, converters, and motors. The propulsion system probably will require multiple propellers, achieving full power during the take-off and elevation stages. This maximum power must be analyzed as a steady state since it remains for 10 to 20 minutes. Such conditions, in addition to the necessary reliability, conduct the use of multilevel converters for motor drives, using WBG devices, with controlled gate drives for minimizing the EMC issues.