An Assessment of High-Voltage DC Electrical Power in Aircraft Electrical Systems

摘要

If the presently installed three-phase ac transmission system on aircraft were replaced by a higher voltage dc (HVDC) transmission using a ground return (the aircraft frame), a reduction in weight of wiring, number of wires, and total power losses equal to one-third their present value could be achieved at a dc system voltage of 345 V. A plot of system wire weight vs values of dc system voltage shows an increase in wiring weight with decreasing values of dc system voltage. The weight reduction with increasing values of voltage is significant because the distribution wiring weight is about from one- to two-thirds of the total electrical system weight. HVDC may have some disadvantages such as higher short-circuit currents, some increase in personnel hazard, and at present a limitation on the use of transistors. The compromise between the weight advantages to be gained at 345 V and the disadvantages that were anticipated at this value leads to the choice of a standard value of 230 V. At this voltage, a saving of approximately 50% in wire weight and 50% in power losses results when compared to the ac systems on WF-2 and F4J aircraft. (Author)