Comparative evaluation of three-phase high power factor AC-DC converter concepts for application in future more electric aircrafts

A passive 12-pulse rectifier system, a two-level, and a three-level active three-phase PWM rectifier system are analyzed for supplying the DC voltage link of a 5kW variable speed hydraulic pump drive of an electro-hydrostatic actuator to be employed in future More Electric Aircrafts. Weight, volume and efficiency of the concepts are compared for an input phase voltage range of 98V...132V and an input frequency range of 400....800Hz. The 12-pulse system shows advantages concerning volume, efficiency and complexity but is characterized by a high system weight. Accordingly, the three-level PWM rectifier is identified as most advantageous solution. Finally, a novel extension of the 12-pulse rectifier system by turn-off power semiconductors is proposed which allows a control of the output voltage and therefore eliminates the dependency on the mains and load condition which constitutes a main drawback of the passive concept.