Multi-Port Power Conversion Systems for the More Electric Aircraft

In the framework of the More Electric Aircraft (MEA), weight reduction and energy efficiency constitute the key figures. In addition to these requirements, the safety and the continuity of operation is of critical importance. These sets of desired feature are in disagreement, because the redundancy needed to guarantee the safety of operation implies necessarily in additional weight. Several concepts of the electrical power distribution systems have been proposed, in this manuscript, an approach based on the widespread use of multi-port power converters both for the DC/DC and for the DC/AC stages is proposed. These two technologies allows for a ring distribution of the electrical power whereas the galvanic isolation is still kept. Simulation and experimental results show the feasibility of the concept in common and fault operation conditions.

I. Introduction

More electric aircraft (MEA) draw a lot of attention of power electronic expert as it is in the area of both smart power distribution, micro grid and also transportation electrification. In the field of power distribution and micro grid, the increasing energy demand challenged the aircraft power distribution systems with the critical requirement of safety and reliability [1]. A futuristic concept envisages the substitution of the oil distribution with electro-mechanical actuators or even fully electrical actuators, further increasing the electric power requirements. In the field of transportation electrification [2], the development of generation distribution and storage as well as advanced information communication have laid great foundation of next generation more electric aircraft (MEA).