Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1590-709X
Date Available
5-1-2025
Year of Publication
2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
College
Engineering
Department/School/Program
Electrical and Computer Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. JiangBiao He
Abstract
The transition towards electric propulsion in aircraft applications requires significant advancements in enhancing the efficiency and power density of power transmission and distribution systems. Among the critical power components in electric aircraft propulsion systems, power electronic converters hold paramount importance as they provide a pivotal interface between batteries and propulsion motors while providing a high degree of controllability and flexibility to the system. Integrating medium voltage DC (MVDC) and the emerging wide bandgap switching devices into power converters not only amplifies converter performance but also unlocks multifarious system-level benefits, including reduced power losses, weight savings, and the utilization of high-speed propulsion motors. However, ensuring the safety and reliability of electric propulsion systems remains a top priority. Thus, this dissertation focuses on developing high-reliability motor-drive systems for electric aircraft propulsion, aiming to extend their lifespan and ensure high reliability. Within this dissertation, two key reliability-oriented designs are presented: a smart coil to protect motors from reflected overvoltage and a digital twin-based health monitoring method for diagnosing any potential switching faults in the power electronic converters. The smart coil offers an active and integrated solution in mitigating high-frequency surge overvoltage caused by voltage reflection due to the mismatched surge impedance between inverters, cables, and motors, thereby enhancing the reliability of the motor stator windings. In addition, to cover the reliability aspects of both the power converter and motor as an integrated system, fault diagnosis has also been investigated in this dissertation, primarily targeting at switching devices, which are among the most vulnerable components in aviation applications. Through these advancements, this research contributes to the ongoing evolution of electric aircraft propulsion systems, addressing critical concerns of reliability and safety in zero-emission electrified transportation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2024.204
Funding Information
- Office of Naval Research (ONR) Grant N00014-22-1-2100
- IEEE Zucker Student-Faculty Grant
- U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) under Award No. 2135543
Recommended Citation
Tahmasbi Fard, Majid, "High Reliability Motor-Drive Systems for Electric Aircraft Propulsion" (2024). Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering. 202.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ece_etds/202
