A review of cryogenic power electronics - status and applications

Increased need for power density and close integration of power subsystems associated with superconductive motors/generators, degaussing coils, energy storage modules and cables leads one to consider the merits of refrigerating the power electronics down to cryogenic temperatures. High-temperature superconducting components combined with cryogenic power converters will have a significant effect on electrification of transportation and high power density power conversion systems. Cryogenic power converter modules provide other promising benefits over their room temperature counterparts in terms of reduced size and weight (increased power density); improved efficiency, switching speed, and reliability. Such integration could result in significant weight and space savings for the overall system. In this paper, a review of the status of research in cryogenic power electronics and their potential applications is presented.