Converter topologies comparison for more electric aircrafts high speed Starter/Generator application

This paper deals with the performance assessment of different permanent magnet motor drives topologies for Starter/Generator in More Electric Aircraft systems. The comparison is focused on the power electronics part of the system, assuming the possibility to adapt the machine structure to better fit the specific configuration. Simulations performed with Matlab/Simulink and Plexim Plecs will be used to evaluate some relevant key points such as efficiency, losses and motor current harmonic distortion. For all the topologies taken into account, simulations will be carried out considering both 2-Levels and 3-Levels converter structures, and different machine arrangements. All power electronics related data used for simulations are obtained from the datasheets of off-the-shelf power modules, both Silicon and Silicon Carbide technology based. The topology showing the best compromise between efficiency and current THD is then selected and a prototype built and tested to validate the models used for simulations.