A Parameter Optimization Design Method for Isolated Triple Active Bridge Converter Based on Hierarchical Constraints
Li Jia1, Cen Ruping1, Long Hongyu1, Wu Hang2, Luo Quanming3
1. School of Automation Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications Chongqing 400000 China; 2. Chongqing Tsingshan Industrial Company Chongqing 402760 China; 3. National Key Laboratory of Power Transmission and Transformation Equipment Technology Chongqing University Chongqing 400000 China
Abstract：Under the premise of determining the conversion topology, the main circuit parameters' design directly affects the converter's steady-state performance, including voltage regulation capability, power transfer efficiency, and soft-switching characteristics. Therefore, precise parameter design not only enhances the overall performance of the converter but also ensures that it meets the expected outcomes in practical applications. Currently, the mainstream approach combines software simulation and engineering validation. Although such design philosophy is widely utilized in engineering practice, the accuracy of the design results entirely depends on the computational precision of the power electronic simulation tools. Meanwhile, the design process heavily relies on the engineer's experience to narrow the parameter range. Repeated validation and iterative optimization of simulation and hardware platforms can lead to a cumbersome and time-consuming design process. In light of these issues, researchers are gradually shifting their focus toward numerical design methods based on object-oriented mathematical models. Professor J. W. Kolar's research team elucidates the essence of parameter optimization design for power electronic converters from a mathematical perspective. It defines the set of circuit parameters used for design as the parameter design space and the set of performance metrics (including operational efficiency, power density, cost, reliability, etc.) as the performance space. The mathematical model of the converter is used to establish the mapping relationship between the design space and the performance space. By determining the design space, performance space, and the mapping relationship, the parameter optimization design problem can ultimately be transformed into a mathematical optimization problem and solved using computational techniques. However, research on parameter design has primarily focused on two-port converters, with limited studies on optimizing circuit parameters for multi-port converters. Multi-port converters involve numerous design parameters, including the turns ratio of high-frequency transformers and the values of power inductors for each port, which typically totals at least six design parameters. The coupling of parameters makes it challenging to determine optimal combinations based solely on the principles of maximum power transfer and voltage gain, as is familiar with two-port dual-active bridge configurations. This paper proposes a numerical parameter optimization design method based on a hierarchical constraint approach to improve the operational efficiency of the converter across its entire operating range. A detailed analysis of the operational principles of the isolated three-active bridge converter is conducted, establishing a frequency-domain steady-state analysis model. Constraints such as voltage gain, maximum power, and zero voltage switching (ZVS) are sequentially introduced, significantly narrowing the parameter design space and reducing optimization difficulty. Subsequently, the main circuit parameters of the multi-port converter are optimized to minimize the weighted average loss across the entire operational range. The proposed method comprehensively considers the main circuit parameters and their complex coupling, avoiding efficiency degradation due to neglected coupling effects. Furthermore, the optimization process is conducted based on the entire operating range to ensure efficient performance. Finally, simulations and experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve an approximate 1.5% improvement in average efficiency across the entire operating range of the converter.
李佳, 岑汝平, 龙虹毓, 吴行, 罗全明. 基于分层约束的隔离型三有源桥变换器参数优化设计方法[J]. 电工技术学报, 2025, 40(20): 6604-6617.
Li Jia, Cen Ruping, Long Hongyu, Wu Hang, Luo Quanming. A Parameter Optimization Design Method for Isolated Triple Active Bridge Converter Based on Hierarchical Constraints. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2025, 40(20): 6604-6617.
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2025, Vol. 40 
