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 5 kW 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 98 V to 132 V and an input frequency range of 400 Hz to 800 Hz. 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.