Passive vs. active AC-DC Power conversion in Variable Frequency aerospace applications

The issue of passive vs. active AC-DC power conversion in Variable Frequency (VF) aerospace applications has been addressed. The analysis aimed at examining power quality figures in the two approaches has been performed and performance results against the industry governing standards have been obtained. A Space Vector Pulse-Width-Modulation (SVPWM) switching AC-DC power converter, employing a frequency tracking algorithm and operating over the required VF and power range, is compared to a passive rectifier bridge, demonstrating its compatibility with aerospace systems power quality requirements, unlike the case of the passive conversion approach.