ZeroAvia has completed the initial testing campaign of its 200kW continuous power inverter design demonstrating operation at 230 kW from 800 Volts of direct current with a power density exceeding 20 kW/kg.
ZeroAvia has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the initial testing campaign of its 200kW continuous power inverter design. The inverter has demonstrated operation at 230 kW from 800 Volts of direct current (Vdc) with a remarkable power density exceeding 20 kW/kg. This inverter performance represents a substantial advancement for the aviation industry, particularly in terms of weight efficiency.
The inverter technology developed by ZeroAvia is a crucial component of its zero-emission, hydrogen-electric aviation engines. Inverters play a key role in converting the DC power supplied by electric power sources, such as hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, or hybrid systems, into Alternating Current while controlling the flow to electric motors. ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric systems are positioned as environmentally beneficial for commercial aviation, producing only low-temperature water vapor exhaust.
Val Miftakhov, Founder & CEO, ZeroAvia said, “Our electric propulsion team in Washington State has delivered transformative technology here in a record short time window, moving rapidly with an agile mindset. This kind of technological breakthrough will create enormous value for the company and will have massive impact on transitioning the entirety of aviation away from fossil fuels.”
Over the past two years, ZeroAvia has independently developed its silicon carbide inverters, incorporating innovations in semiconductor module designs, gate driver designs, modularity of phase circuits, and manufacturability. The company has successfully designed inverters in single (225 kW peak / 200 kW continuous) and dual (450 kW peak / 400 kW continuous) configurations. This core inverter technology is intended for use across all engine sizes, starting with the 600kW ZA600 engine for 9-19 seat aircraft and later integrated into the HyperCore motor for the ZA2000 engine variant designed for 40-80 seat regional turboprops.
Also Read – CAE to support pilot training for Global Crossing Airlines A320 fleet
The achievement of successful inverter testing is a major milestone for ZeroAvia and supports its certification efforts for the ZA600 engine, targeting 9-19 seat aircraft. The company aims to complete the certification process in the United States and the United Kingdom by the end of 2025. The breakthrough in inverter performance represents not only a technical achievement but also positions ZeroAvia as a leader in specific power performance for power electronics devices, emphasizing its commitment to transitioning aviation away from fossil fuels.
Question – What is the significance of ZeroAvia’s inverter achievement?
Answer – ZeroAvia’s 200kW inverter exceeding 20 kW/kg represents a major leap in power density for the aviation industry, crucial for efficient electric propulsion in hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Question – How does this technology benefit the environment?
Answer – ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric systems using these inverters produce only water vapor exhaust, offering a clean alternative to traditional jet fuel in commercial aviation
Question – What are the future implications of this breakthrough?
Answer – This achievement positions ZeroAvia as a leader in power electronics and accelerates the transition towards fossil fuel-free aviation, particularly for 9-19 seat and 40-80 seat regional aircraft..
Note– MRO Business Today is the Principal Media Partner of the 5th MRO SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT 2024 co-located with the MRO XPO INDIA & AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INDIA 2024 to be held on 27,28 & 29 February 2024 at the Le Méridien New Delhi, India.
