Design paradigm for power electronics based DC distribution systems

The design of a DC distribution system is posed as an optimization problem which simultaneously utilizes time-domain analysis, distortion analysis, and stability analysis. An integrated approach to design is adopted wherein the complete power distribution system is taken into consideration in the design process, capturing the interaction between various system components. Metrics such as mass of the passives and power loss are minimized in the proposed design paradigm. The approach is demonstrated through the design of a representative system which consists of a generation system, two isolating peak-current controlled dc-dc converter modules, and two constant power loads. Precise and efficient time-domain modeling of each system component is crucial to the design process and the accuracy of the models developed is demonstrated even during fault conditions. Accurate distortion models and linear models are also developed for each system component. The output of optimization is a set of designs forming a Pareto-optimal front based on the minimization of dc power loss and mass subject to time-domain constraints, distortion constraints, and stability constraints. Based on the requirements and the application, a design can be chosen from this set of designs. Thus, an organized framework for the design of a dc power distribution is presented in this work, with a focus on the design of passive filter components and control gains.