Towards lightweight high-voltage power conversion

Abstract

An emerging application, electroaerodynamic (EAD) propulsion, has stimulated the needs for light-weight high voltage dc-dc and dc-ac power converters. Weight reduction of these converters in the operating range of interest has seldom been studied and is limited by lossy switching devices, the size of energy storage components and isolation requirements. Achieving light weight while meeting demands for efficiency, temperature, and isolation requires an understanding of limitations and weight profiles of components and circuit building blocks, as well as advances on multiple subsystems and overall system architecture. The thesis will present a lightweight high-frequency high voltage dc-dc converter with greatly improved weight density compared with conventional designs; an investigation on losses and temperature rises of high voltage diodes and a circuit technique to use these diodes more effectively; a design study and implementation of a lightweight high voltage dc-ac converter for use in dielectric barrier discharge ion generation; and an demonstration of the first EAD-propelled flight using developed light weight power converters.