The Effect of Critical Design Parameters on the Selection of a VSCF System

Naturally commutated cycloconverter and DC-Link variable speed, constant frequency (VSCF) systems are each viable candidates for aircraft electric power generation applications. Several critical design parameters have a direct bearing on the selection of the best system for a given application. These include system rating, cooling method, and temperature. System design is also influenced by other critical design parameters such as gearbox speed and range, efficiency and weight criteria, and envelope/location constraints .

This paper identifies these critical design criteria and evaluates their impact on the selection and application of VSCF systems.

A simple decision model is presented which summarizes the effect of these critical design parameters on system selection.