Optimization Approaches for RMS Current Reduction of Triple Active Bridge Converters

Abstract

Isolated multi-port converters can interconnect different loads and energy sources at their ports, while utilizing a limited number of switching devices and magnetic components, which offers potential advantages in terms of power density. However, being the multiple ports coupled among each other, the number of modulation variables and operating modes increases, which poses challenging optimization issues. This paper exploits three different optimization approaches used to optimize the performance of a triple active bridge converter (TAB) by minimizing the ports total true rms current. The three approaches shown herein are based on an offline gradient descent search, online multidimensional ripple correlation search, and artificial neural network. All the approaches are validated through simulation and experimental results considering a TAB converter prototype rated 5 kW.