Fuel Cell Power Conversion by the A.C. Link Type Static Inverter

The recent development of a lightweight, highly efficient a.c. link type static inverter (cycloinverter) provides a new power conversion candidate for consideration by the aerospace systems designer. This inverter can be used in power systems provided by fuel cells, conventional aircraft d.c. generators, or batteries. The a.c. link inverter has become fully practical by selection of a system implementation in which each power modification necessary for the generation of high quality a.c. power is accomplished in the most efficient manner which will not contribute significantly to weight. The resulting system combination of chopper, transformer, cycloconverter and filter is superior in KVA per pound and efficiency to conventional inverters for the same system requirements. The new inverter has also been applied to a.c. electric adjustable speed drives using polyphase squirrel cage induction motors for lightweight aerospace system applications.