Christophe Versèle

A computer‐aided design tool dedicated to isolated DC‐DC converters based on multiobjective optimization using genetic algorithms

Purpose – This paper presents a computer‐aided design (CAD) tool for the design of isolated dc‐dc converters.Design/methodology/approach – This tool, developed in Matlab environment, is based on multiobjective optimization (MO) using genetic algorithms. The Elitist Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm is used to perform search and optimization whereas analytical models are used to model the power converters. The design problem requires minimizing the weight, losses and cost of the converter while ensuring the satisfaction of a number of constraints. The optimization variables are, as for them, the operating frequency, the current density, the maximum flux density, the transformer dimensions, the wire diameter, the core material, the conductor material, the converter topology (among Flyback, Forward, Push‐Pull, half‐bridge and full‐bridge topologies), the number of semiconductor devices associated in parallel, the number of cells associated in series or parallel as well as the kinds of input and output c...

Multiobjective optimization of a power supply for space application using a flexible CAD tool

This paper presents the adaptation of a previously published CAD tool that was initially conceived for high power isolated dc-dc converters, to the multiobjective optimal design of a switch-mode power supply for space application. The main changes to the existing tool concern the magnetic elements (transformer and inductor), the reduction of voltage and current ratings of the semiconductor devices, the cooling aspects, and the input filter design. The database of the tool is also enriched with silicon carbide devices in order to highlight, for the considered application, the benefits of using this new technology. The Pareto fronts in terms of power loss and mass are shown for two sets of electrical specifications of the power supply. Several solutions are analyzed in detail through the values of the optimization variables.

Evaluation of power loss and mass gains of SiC versus Si-based switch-mode power supplies using a multiobjective optimization CAD tool

In this paper, the power losses and mass of multiobjective optimal designed isolated dc-dc converters are compared, based on Si and SiC technologies. To that end, a computer-aided design (CAD) tool, previously published by the authors, is used. The database of the existing tool is enriched with wide band gap semiconductor devices currently available from manufacturers. The results are presented for two switchmode power supplies operating at very different power levels. The gains in terms of power losses and mass from one technology to the other are quantified thanks to the CAD tool, which is an asset.

Comparative Study of Optimally Designed DC-DC Converters with SiC and Si Power Devices

In this chapter, power losses and mass of optimally designed Sivs. SiC-based isolated DC-DC converters are compared in quantitative terms. To that end, an adapted version of a computer-aided design tool, previously published by the authors, is used. The database of the existing tool was completed with new wide band gap semicon‐ ductor devices currently available from manufacturers. The results are presented for two switch-mode power supplies, each constituted of an isolated DC-DC converter, operating at very different power levels: a 100 kW auxiliary railway power supply and a multiple output 33.5 W power supply intended for a space application. The gains in terms of power losses and mass from one technology to the other can advantageously be evaluated thanks to the developed tool.

A new estimator for the long-term reduction of gaseous pollutants emissions in electrical systems with wind generation

In this paper, the long-term reduction of gaseous pollutant emissions in electrical systems with wind generation is realistically evaluated thanks to a Monte Carlo simulation tool. In that way, a new estimator is proposed in order to quantify the long term impact of wind power on the gaseous pollutants emissions of a given system under cost, reliability and unexpected outages constraints. This estimator will allow producers, or even providers, to better dispatch their generation park from the pollutant emissions point of view.

Comparison of the influence of Si and SiC semiconductor devices on power loss and weight of multiobjective optimal designed power converters

This paper compares the power loss and weight of multiobjective optimal (MO) designed isolated DC-DC power converters based on Si and SiC technologies. To that end, a computer-aided design (CAD) tool previously published by the authors and dedicated to the MO design of isolated DC-DC power converters with genetic algorithms is used. The design problem requires the minimization of the power loss and the weight of the converter while ensuring the satisfaction of several constraints. The results show clearly that the wide band gap (WBG) semiconductor devices, typically the SiC technology for the power and voltage levels considered in this paper, lead to lighter converter with less power loss than classical Si devices. The use of our tool allows to precisely quantify that gain within a multiobjective optimization framework.