Yongtao Cao

I am Yongtao Cao, an associate researcher at the Institute of Drive Systems and Power Electronics. My research focuses on the design and analysis of the reliability of power electronics systems, as well as the design and control of fault-tolerant drive systems.

My current focus is on the reliability and maintenance-oriented design of power electronics systems for electrified aircraft propulsion systems.

The primary emphasis on reliability and safety in aerospace applications, especially amidst the myriad challenges electrified aircraft face in their pursuit of net-zero goals, is the driving force behind my research endeavors. The most gratifying aspect of my research would be the potential implementation of methods or concepts developed by our team in future electrified aircraft, enhancing aircraft safety, and, crucially, saving lives during emergencies.

The aerospace industry places stringent safety requirements on drive systems, and power electronics systems are considered vulnerable components in electric drive systems. Future aviation introduces new challenges such as dramatic load changes, low temperatures, low pressure, and high cosmic radiation density. Consequently, reliability and maintenance-oriented design of power electronics systems are crucial for the success of future electrified aircraft propulsion systems.

The unique aspect of participating in the SE²A interdisciplinary research network lies in the recognition that reliability strategies for power electronics systems must integrate considerations of aircraft design and mission profiles. Collaboration with disciplines such as aircraft design engineering, energy storage engineering, and electric machine engineering undoubtedly sparks new ideas, leading to improved system reliability and meaningful system optimization.