Converters
Overview
- Power converters are an essential component in most EAP aircraft concepts, as they are used to convert from ac to dc power, or vice versa
- NASA is sponsoring or performing work to achieve power densities 2-3 times the state of the art for converters in the MW or larger class.
- Silicon carbide and gallium nitride converts are being developed with conventional cooling as well as a cryogenically cooled converter
Continuous power rating, MW |
Specific power goal, kW/kg |
Efficiency goal, % |
Topology | Switch material | Cooling | |
General Electric | 1 | 19 | 99 | 3 level | SiC/Si | Liquid |
University of Illinois | 0.2 | 19 | 99 | 7 level | GaN | Liquid |
Boeing | 1 | 26 | 99.3 | Si | Cryogenic |