Abstract: High power inverters will be a key enabler for future aircraft based on hybrid electric or turbo-electric propulsion as envisioned by NASA and Boeing. Cooling a power electronics converter to low temperature, e.g. using cryogenic cooling, can significantly improve the efficiency and power density of a power conversion system. This paper presents the design of a MW cryogenically-cooled power inverter for electric aircraft applications. The power semiconductor and magnetic component characterization, inverter topology and power stage design, modulation and control, EMI noise reduction and filters design, and cooling system design are illustrated. A MW-level inverter prototype has been assembled and tested. The experimental results verify the functionality of the inverter.

Bio: Dr. Fei (Fred) Wang is a professor and Condra Chair of Excellence in Power Electronics at the University of Tennessee. He holds a joint position in Oak Ridge National Lab. He is the Technical Director of CURENT. His experience also includes 8 years as an associate professor and the Technical Director at the Center for Power Electronics at Virginia Tech, and 10 years as an engineer and R&D manager at General Electric. His interests include power electronics and power systems. He is a fellow of the IEEE and a fellow of the US Academy of Inventors.