[Everett, WA: January 24, 2024] – ZeroAvia today announced that it has successfully completed an initial testing campaign for its 200 kW continuous inverter. The inverter operates at a direct current voltage of 800 VDC, a power of 230 kW and a power density of more than 20 kW/kg. This inverter performance is a huge improvement for the industry.
High efficiency inverter technology is an integral part of the zero-emission hydrogen-electric aircraft engines being developed by ZeroAvia. The inverter takes the DC power supplied by the power source and converts it into AC power while controlling the flow of current to the motor. This energy source could be a hydrogen fuel cell (such as the ZeroAvia engine), a battery, or even various hybrid systems. Hydrogen-electric systems are expected to have the most profound environmental benefits of any technology considered suitable for commercial aviation, as they only emit low-temperature water vapor.
Over the past two years, ZeroAvia has developed its own silicon carbide inverter, which incorporates many innovations in semiconductor module design, gate driver design, phase modularity and high manufacturability. Additionally, advanced thermal management technology and its integration ensure reliable performance at high altitudes and a well-positioned engine bay. The company has developed inverters in single (225 kW peak/200 kW continuous) and dual (450 kW peak/400 kW continuous) configurations.
ZeroAvia’s core inverter technology will be used across all engine sizes – starting with the 600 kW ZA600 engine for 9-19 seat aircraft, and then also integrated into the HyperCore engine – a 900 kW modular electric motor designed for sequential installation in the ZA2000, the company 40- 80 local models of turboprop engines.
With ZA600 certification work underway in the US and UK, the verification of key engine components is an important milestone for the company and supports plans to complete certification by the end of 2025. It also represents a breakthrough in the field of IP. The ZeroAvia inverter represents a breakthrough in IP. Stepwise change in specific power characteristics of power electronic equipment.
“Our electric propulsion team in Washington state developed revolutionary technology in record time and developed it quickly using agile thinking. This technological breakthrough will create enormous value for the company and will contribute to the transition of the entire aviation industry away from fossil fuels, which will have a major impact. “
ZeroAvia is a leader in zero-emission aviation, with a goal of powering every aircraft with hydrogen-electric engines as the greenest, most cost-effective solution to address the industry’s climate impact. The company aims to offer engines with a 300-mile range for aircraft seating 9 to 19 people by the end of 2025 and engines with a 700-mile range for aircraft seating 40 to 80 people by 2027. The company was founded in California and now has thriving teams in Everett, Washington and the UK. ZeroAvia has received three independent test aircraft from the FAA and CAA to test its engines and has completed critical flight testing milestones. The company has signed several key engineering partnerships with major aircraft OEMs and has received pre-orders for nearly 2,000 engines from major airlines around the world, with future revenue potential exceeding $10 billion. For more information, visit ZeroAvia.com and follow @ZeroAvia on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Post time: Jul-23-2024