Optimized Multiport DC/DC Converter for Vehicle Drivetrains: Topology and Design Optimization

Abstract

DC/DC Multiport Converters (MPC) are gaining interest in the hybrid electric drivetrains (i.e., vehicles or machines), where multiple sources are combined to enhance their capabilities and performances in terms of efficiency, integrated design and reliability. This hybridization will lead to more complexity and high development/design time. Therefore, a proper design approach is needed to optimize the design of the MPC as well as its performance and to reduce development time. In this research article, a new design methodology based on a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) for non-isolated interleaved MPCs is developed to minimize the weight, losses and input current ripples that have a significant impact on the lifetime of the energy sources. The inductor parameters obtained from the optimization framework is verified by the Finite Element Method (FEM) COMSOL software, which shows that inductor weight of optimized design is lower than that of the conventional design. The comparison of input current ripples and losses distribution between optimized and conventional designs are also analyzed in detailed, which validates the perspective of the proposed optimization method, taking into account emerging technologies such as wide bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN).

Special Issue “Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)”

“…The inductor parameters obtained from the optimization framework are verified by the finite element method (FEM) COMSOL software, which shows that inductor weight of optimized design is lower than that of the conventional design. The comparison of input current ripples and losses distribution between optimized and conventional designs are also analyzed in detail, which validates the perspective of the proposed optimization method, taking into account emerging technologies, such as wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN) [6].…”

“…Duong Tran describes in his paper the development of DC/DC multiport converters (MPC) [6]. These converters are gaining interest in the field of hybrid electric drivetrains (i.e., vehicles or machines), where multiple sources are combined to enhance their capabilities and performances in terms of efficiency, integrated design, and reliability.…”

Scalable Modeling Approach and Robust Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing of an Optimized Interleaved Bidirectional HV DC/DC Converter for Electric Vehicle Drivetrains

“…In recent years, several bidirectional HV DC/DC converter topologies have been studied and designed for the BEV applications such as Synchronous Boost Converter (SBC) [27], Resonant Boost Converter (RBC) [28], Full-Bridge Converter (FC) [27], ZVS-Boost converter (ZBC) [29], Multidevice Interleaved Boost Converter (MDIBC) [30], Multiport converter (MPC) [31], and 3-Phase Interleaved Bidirectional Converter (IBC) [32]. Each topology has its own advantages and drawbacks and should be chosen based on the functionalities, requirements, efficiency, component count, controllability, compactness, cost and reliability [26].…”

Performance Evaluation of a PID-Controlled Synchronous Buck Converter Based Battery Charging Controller for Solar-Powered Lighting System in a Fishing Trawler

“…[30][31][32][33]. However, the efficiency of a DC-DC converter significantly depends on the semiconductor losses (P loss_semi ) and the inductor losses (P loss_inductor ) [34]. Thus, the total losses in the SBC can be assumed to be:…”

“…The inductor losses are the sum of core losses in the iron-powered toroidal core (P core ) and conducting losses in the windings of the inductor (P cond ) [34].…”