Improving Performance of Cryogenic Power Electronics

Abstract

Cryogenic Power Electronics (CPE) provides promising benefits for power conditioning system compared to their room-temperature counterparts in terms of reduced size and weight (increased power density), improved efficiency, improved switching speed, and improved reliability. Active devices such as semiconductor switches can exhibit performance improvements such as reduced conduction losses, higher switching speed, reduced diode reverse recovery, greater device gain, higher over-current capability, and increased power levels. Passive devices (inductors, capacitors, interconnects) will also improve by the lowered resistance of their constituent metal conductors or the use of superconductors. This paper aims to review the present status of CPE and to provide an outlook on emerging device technologies that are gaining in interest. Advanced power electronic packaging/interconnect methods that adapt well to cryogenics and help further improve system performance is discussed. Given improved and known device and interconnect properties, the system designer can develop the best circuit topologies for maximum CPE system performance.

Cryogenically-Cooled Power Electronics for Long-Distance Aircraft

“…A further publication [31] describes the design of a cryogenic power electronic fed DC motor and the paper [32] illustrates a loss evaluation of a cryogenic DC/DC-converter. Also, strategies to improve the performance of cryogenic power electronics are given in article [33]. Publication [34] describes the semiconductor physics for Si-based devices (switches and diodes) under cryogenic conditions mathematically, presents an excellent overview and illustrates some optimisations in the design of semiconductor devices for cryogenic applications.…”

Performance Investigation of Power Inverter Components Submersed in Subcooled Liquid Nitrogen for Electric Aircraft

“…Cryogenic power electronics is the next step in the evolution of power electronics technology, enabling higher power density, greater efficiency, and better system performance in several applications [7][8][9][10]. Low-temperature electronics have potential uses in deep space and terrestrial applications, including magnetic levitation transportation systems, military all-electric vehicles, medical diagnostics, cryogenic instrumentation, and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems [11,12].…”

Transient Test and AC Loss Study of a Cryogenic Propulsion Unit for All Electric Aircraft

“…This means power electronic devices would also run in cryogenic operating temperature (25 -77 K). In this propulsion system, cryogenic temperature would improve the heat dissipation of these power electronic devices, and significantly increase the power density and enhance the reliability [18], [19].…”

“…Operating power electronic devices at cryogenic temperatures can reduce the temperature gradient experienced in the network and minimise the cooling requirement for all systems. However, the feasibility of operating power electronic devices at cryogenic temperatures in conjunction with superconducting machines has not been proved, although individual device tests have been done at cryogenic temperatures [19].…”