Design Aspects of Short-Circuit Limited Fuel Cell Systems for Conventional Aircraft Electrical System Using a Mains AC Voltage

The electrical power for conventional commercial aircraft is typically generated as a desired by-product of thrust generation by combustion engines. Thereby, generators driven by the engines supply power to the aircraft´s electrical system. In order to reduce climate damaging emissions, aircraft manufacturers develop hydrogen-powered aircraft propulsion systems, such as the H2-to-Torque-Concept. Parallel fuel cells are coupled to the electric motor via parallel inverter. In this concept, the central generators for the aircraft electrical system are missing. Hence, the aircraft electrical system has to be powered by a different source. One solution is to integrate fuel cell systems in the conventional onboard power supply. This paper looks at how a fuel cell system can power a conventional aircraft electrical system with a mains AC voltage.