Multi-Source Dual Active Bridge DC/DC Converter for More Electric Aircraft

The topology proposed in this paper aims for a multiple sources/loads integration to improve the power density of the electrical power distribution system (EPDS) of the more-electric aircraft (MEA) architecture. The different operating modes of the proposed topology add flexibility to the system enabling power flow between different sources, while controlling the power supplied to the low voltage (LV) network on the aircraft. Better system utilization is achieved as compared to conventional solutions. The system stability is improved considering that the multi-source DAB (MSDAB) topology can be configured to stabilize the high-voltage DC (HVDC) bus in case of voltage sag. A battery charging configuration utilizing the magnetizing inductance of the transformer is proposed and discussed as one of the operating modes of the converter. The power flow to the low-voltage bus network is controlled by phase shifting the gating signals between the two bridges. A design process using genetic algorithm (GA) optimization is introduced to optimally select the converter parameters to minimize the transformer RMS current. Simulation and experiments of the control schemes were performed to validate optimal operation of the proposed converter.