Power Electronics Building Blocks (PEBB) in Aerospace Power Electronic Systems

One driving factor that is critical to aerospace power electronic systems is the reduction in weight and size. A key focus of power electronic building blocks (PEBB) is the reduction of size and weight and, hence, increased integration of power electronic systems. PEBB can be viewed as a three-port electronic module with input, output and control ports.

This paper summarizes the results of a study undertaken by NASA Glenn Research Center to evaluate the insertion of PEBB into aerospace power electronic systems. It surveys the applications of power electronics in aerospace systems, and evaluates the capabilities and limitations of potential PEBB architectures for aerospace applications. It, also, constructs a road map to assist in formulating requirements and developing architectures for aerospace-based PEBB product development. Finally, it identifies follow-on work for detailed research to expedite first generation aerospace-based PEBB product developments.