Implementation of a Solid-State Power Controller for High-Voltage DC Grids in Aircraft
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Date
2015-01-14
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Abstract
Conventional electrical distribution systems onboard
aircraft use a three-phase system with a typical voltage of 115
VAC or 230 VAC to supply electrical loads. Future aircraft demand
more electric power due to the replacement of hydraulic and
pneumatic systems by electrical ones and the increased use of
multimedia entertainment systems. However, the aircraft weight
can be decreased if a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) grid
with a voltage level of ±270 VDC or 540 VDC is implemented to
supply the electrical loads. These higher voltages reduce cable
weight, but are a new challenge for solid-state power controllers
(SSPC), which are used as protection devices for cables and
loads. Currently available SSPCs are limited to lower voltages
and currents mainly because of the available power
semiconductors. A SSPC for aircraft applications with a nominal
voltage of 540 VDC and a nominal load current of 10 A has been
developed at the Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg in
cooperation with Airbus Group Innovation using SiC-MOSFETs
and has been tested. In this paper the design and experimental
results are presented. The SSPC is able to supply itself from the
high voltage autarkic and can accomplish various functions.
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Keywords
Aircraft, Solid State Power Controller, Silicon-Carbid, More Electric Aircraft, Circuit Breaker