Design and Implementation of a (Flying) Flying Capacitor Multilevel Converter

Abstract

Multilevel switched-capacitor converters, such as the flying capacitor multilevel (FCML) converter, offer high energy density and efficiency, over a wide voltage range, making them suitable for applications in electrified aircraft. However, concerns of reliability due to the increased number of active and passive components have limited use of high-level count converters in aircraft applications. This work addresses the challenges of designing a reliable high-level count converter through careful component selection and design techniques. Finally, this work demonstrates a robust design that successfully passes flight qualification standards, including thermal, shock and vibration.