Optimization, Circuit Analysis and Modelling Applied to Power Electronics

Dear Colleagues,

The power electronics market is moving towards high-power density and high-efficiency conversion systems. In many applications, highly reliable and resilient converters are also strongly desired. In this context, optimal design of the power conversion system plays a crucial role.

For this purpose, circuit analysis and modelling are developed with different characteristics and, consequently, complexities.

For a system-level circuit, design-oriented analysis and modelling of converter topologies, in combination with different control methodologies, are key to a successful design. Steady-state analysis and the resulting models are extremely useful for providing an estimation of the current and voltage waveforms, and for then determining the stress that power components are subject to, the expected power losses, and the resulting efficiency.  AC (or small-signal) analysis and the resulting models are important to characterize the dynamic behaviour of the converter, and to predict the margin of stability of the control loop that regulates the output voltage (or current) and the time-domain response to perturbations in the input voltage and/or output current under all operating conditions.

Currently, it is desirable to model the important dominant behaviour of a system and to get physical insight into it, while neglecting minor but complicating phenomena. Circuit averaging, inductor volt-second balance, capacitor charge balance, and the small-ripple approximation are the foundation of steady-state analysis. Circuit averaging, state-space averaging, averaged switch modelling, and injected-absorbed current are among the most used methods to carry out the small-signal analysis.

Then, these designs need to be perfected through more detailed circuit analyses. To do so, a deeper level of the analysis and modelling details is required, especially at a component-level, which usually implies considering the electro–thermal interaction. Analytical models are usually based on simplified representations that provide faster but less accurate results compared with behavioural, physical, and mixed models, which requite simulation. Needless to say, the challenge is to devise accurate analytical models as well as simulation-based methods that guarantee fast convergence.

Proper models of driving circuits; batteries and loads; and passive components, especially magnetic devices, are also necessary. Additionally, with the advent of wide bandgap devices that enable higher operating frequencies, appropriate modelling of package parasitics is becoming crucial. In power modules and in cases of parallel devices, accounting for coupling quantities is important. In particular, accurate modelling of printed circuit boards parasitics is essential to realize a successful design by ensuring appropriate driving, as well as signal integrity, for the control circuit and for low EMI generation.

Stochastic optimization and machine learning are useful tools to quickly and automatically find the optimal parameters of models. Moreover, they can support the optimal design of the converter.

This Special Issue calls for high-quality papers on Power Electronics circuit analysis and modelling, eventually supported by stochastic optimization and machine learning, applied in, but not limited to, the following areas:

wideband gap devices;

high-frequency transformers;

electro-thermal interactions;

converter components and parasitics;

numerical methods and analysis;

simulations;

converters design;

AC–DC, DC–DC, and DC–AC converters;

wideband gap-based converters;

wireless power transfer;

multilevel converters;

power modules;

smart grids;

sustainable energy;

automotive;

more-all electric aircraft and ship.

Technical Program Committee Members:

M.Sc.Eng. Claudio Adragna  STMicroelectronics

Dr. Santi Agatino RIZZO
Guest Editor

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