High Reliability Aircraft Generator System

An alternative approach for producing variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) constant voltage power is the use of a resonant link power system. This system uses a permanent magnet (PM) generator and a resonant link solid state power converter. An electrically isolated PM generator may also be required for protection depending upon the final control topology. The use of a resonant link allows bi-directional power flow for engine start capability. Also, the resonant link allows the power semiconductor devices to be switched during the high frequency link zero crossings to reduce device stresses and improve reliability. The resonant link VSCF system is under investigation by the GE Corporate Research and Development group under contract #F33615-87-C-2806 to the Air Force.