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In this paper, an H‐type electric/hybrid electric aircraft propulsion architecture is proposed to address the issues associated with the radial electric propulsion architecture. In a radial architecture, a fault on the main bus or failure of the generator leads to shut down of all the propulsion motors in that channel, thus increasing the burden on the remaining motors to maintain the power required by the aeroplane. As a result, it is necessary to oversize the motors for the purpose of compensating for the loss of other motors. To mitigate these issues, a new H‐type architecture is introduced to isolate the particular faulty section while still maintaining power flow to the remaining healthy motors. The proposed architecture minimises the oversizing of various components in the system as compared to radial propulsion architecture. The sizing of components and the amount of overall mass reduction is discussed by using the proposed architecture. Typhoon Hardware in the Loop platform is used to validate the performance of both the architectures for faults at different locations, and the results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IGBT short-circuit protection is the key factor to improve the reliability of the power electronics system. The conventional short-circuit protection method based on VCE measurement detects the collector–emitter voltage of an IGBT to determine whether the IGBT short-circuit fault occurs. The blanking circuit is needed in this kind of protection method to avoid the false triggering of the short-circuit protection during IGBT turn-on transient. However, this blanking circuit should be carefully designed for different types of IGBT modules. In order to make the IGBT short-circuit protection circuit suitable for the tolerance of IGBT modules, a self-adaptive blanking circuit combined with the aforementioned short-circuit protection method based on VCE measurement is proposed. The proposed method is achieved by feeding back the required minimum blanking time interval which is decided by comparing the desaturation reference voltage with the collector–emitter voltage. The short-circuit protection delay time for the conventional circuit and the proposed circuit are compared. Experimental results are included to prove the effectiveness of the proposed circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The papers in this special section focus on the fuel cell systems with particular emphasis on extended the lifetime and robustness of these systems. The fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy stored in a fuel directly into electrical energy, with only heat and water as by-products. Hence, it is one of the cleanest technologies for producing electric power. However, the durability of fuel cells is a main concern for the massive deployment of fuel cell technology for transportation and stationary power generation applications. The fuel cell power generation system consists of a fuel cell stack and the balance of plant consisting of auxiliary units such as air compressor, cooling circuit, power converter, etc. The fuel cell?s lifetime is closely related to its electrode/electrolyte material aging and degradation during its operation. Over time and with use, the degradation of fuel cell performance cannot be avoided; however, with well-designed balance of plant and control system, the rate of performance degradation can be minimized, and the robustness of the fuel cell systems can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the design, development, and testing of a phase-leg power module packaged by a novel planar packaging technique for high-temperature (250 °C) operation. The nanosilver paste is chosen as the die-attach material as well as playing the key functions of electrically connecting the devices' pads. The electrical characteristics of the SiC-based power semiconductors, SiC JFETs, and SiC Schottky diodes have been measured and compared before and after packaging. No significant changes (<5%) are found in the characteristics of all the devices. Prototype module is fabricated and operated up to 400 V, 1.4 kW at junction temperature of 250 °C in the continuous power test. Thermomechanical robustness has also been investigated by passive thermal cycling of the module from -55 °C to 250 °C. Electrical and mechanical performances of the packaged module are characterized and considered to be reliable for at least 200 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the requirements for reducing emissions and improving fuel economy, automotive companies are developing electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Power electronics is an enabling technology for the development of these environmentally friendlier vehicles and implementing the advanced electrical architectures to meet the demands for increased electric loads. In this paper, a brief review of the current trends and future vehicle strategies and the function of power electronic subsystems are described. The requirements of power electronic components and electric motor drives for the successful development of these vehicles are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a power electronic conversion system and its control for a fuel cell and a battery-based hybrid drive system for a motor glider. The energy conversion system is designed in such a way that the fuel cell gives power equal to the electric drive power demand for horizontal flight, whereas during motor glider take-off and climbing, the fuel cell is supported by the battery. The paper presents the power demand related to the assumed mission profile, the main components of the hybrid drive system and its holistic structure, and details of power electronics control. Selected stationary experimental test results related to the energy conversion and drive system are shown. Some results related to the aircraft tests on a runway are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses reports published within the issue including research and development and future trends in the areas of automotive power electronics and drives and a comprehensive system review of electric, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.