Cryogenic Power Conversion Systems: The next step in the evolution of power electronics technology

In transportation applications, lower weight and volume of the power conversion systems is very important to achieve high power density, high efficiency, and superior performance. The thermal management of these power conversion units plays a significant role in reducing the weight and volume. The use of superconductive motors/generators, degaussing coils, energy storage modules, and cables has been considered to increase power density and efficiency. High-temperature superconducting (HTS) components combined with cryogenic power converters will provide significant benefits in the electrification of transportation and high power density power conversion systems. Cryogenic power converter modules offer other promising benefits over their room temperature counterparts in terms of reduced size and weight (i.e., increased power density) and improved efficiency, switching speed, and reliability. Such an integration could result in significant weight and space savings for next-generation mass transportation systems. In this article, the current research on cryogenic power electronics and superconducting motors/generators is discussed for future aircraft and ships.