A road map for reliable power electronics for more electric aircraft

Dynamic Switching of 1.9 A/1.76 kV Forward Current NiO/β-Ga2O3 Rectifiers

“…Wide and ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors are attracting a lot of interest for next generation power electronics applications because of their advantages in terms of lower on-state resistances and higher power levels. [1][2][3][4][5][6] More robust power electronics that withstand higher operating temperatures, a smaller form factor, and higher efficiency will significantly improve the reliability and security of power grids, [1][2][3][4][5] especially with all the switching needed to incorporate generation from renewable sources. In addition, they are more radiation-hard than conventional Si, so with the increasing number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), there is a high demand for space-based radiation-hardened components capable of withstanding high radiation effects caused due to solar flares.…”

“…In addition, they are more radiation-hard than conventional Si, so with the increasing number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), there is a high demand for space-based radiation-hardened components capable of withstanding high radiation effects caused due to solar flares. [2][3][4][5][6] The growth in global radiation-hardened electronics for space applications market is expected to be driven by increasing demand for communication and Earth observation satellites. [2][3][4][5][6] In addition, there is an evolution from hydro-pneumatic to more electrical disposition of power in aircraft, 5 leading to the need for reliable power electronic components in current and future aerospace applications.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6] The growth in global radiation-hardened electronics for space applications market is expected to be driven by increasing demand for communication and Earth observation satellites. [2][3][4][5][6] In addition, there is an evolution from hydro-pneumatic to more electrical disposition of power in aircraft, 5 leading to the need for reliable power electronic components in current and future aerospace applications.…”

Challenges of Overcoming Defects in Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Power Electronics

“…Silicon has served well as the industry "workhorse" semiconductor for power electronics switching applications; however, wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, especially diamond and GaN, with significantly superior electrical and thermal characteristics compared to silicon, are the key enablers for transforming the electricity infrastructure for the 21st century [3][4][5][6]. Current filament formation and micro plasma generation are the main causes of power semiconductor device failures in circuit applications.…”

Multi-Converter System Modelling in Cost for Reliability Studies

“…This approach is based on evaluation of the damage induced by the stress and prediction of time when the dominant degradation mechanisms will be triggered. By using this methodology, the estimation of the converter failure can be determined for the intended operating conditions [12], [13]. Its utilization in the reliabilityoriented converter design for wind and photovoltaic applications is discussed in [14], [15].…”