GE Announces Break-Through Improvement in Power Conversion, Weight and Volume

LE BOURGET, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Aviation, in partnership with GE Global Research, today announced a new line of silicon carbide (SiC) based power conversion products for air, land and sea-based platforms.

“We have validated the remarkable size and weight reductions resulting from our advanced power converters based on GE’s industry leading SiC power devices”

"By using GE-developed SiC technology, we have the potential to reduce the weight on the aircraft by more than 400 lbs. while also delivering higher performance and freeing up precious cargo space," said Vic Bonneau, president of Electrical Power for GE Aviation, Systems. "The new line of products includes AC-DC, DC-DC and DC-AC converters and special purpose power supplies such as battery chargers and frequency converters."

Bonneau noted that on board airplanes, space and weight are premiums. Airlines are constantly trying to balance the need to create more passenger and storage space, while also meeting increased demand for electrical power on the plane. GE's SiC power devices will address this need on both fronts.

SiC power devices are superior to conventional silicon devices because they can operate at much higher switching frequencies, junction temperatures and voltages. The higher frequency operation allows many of the supporting electrical components to be significantly reduced in size and weight which is critical for airborne applications. The devices are also able to operate in the high temperature environments of ground vehicles and the high voltage capability will enable future higher-power vehicle power systems.

“We have validated the remarkable size and weight reductions resulting from our advanced power converters based on GE’s industry leading SiC power devices,” continued Bonneau. “We are ready to provide aerospace products with as much as twice the power density of current technology. “

The announcement of GE Aviation’s new line of SiC-based power conversion products represents the culmination of years of R & D that started in GE research labs. The SiC power conversion is part of a broader, long-term research strategy GE is pursuing in advanced energy conversion technologies to address the ever-increasing demand for electric power in Aviation and other important industries such as energy and healthcare.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aviation Systems LLC and GE Aviation Systems Ltd are subsidiaries of General Electric Company. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.

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