PSO-Algorithm-Based Optimal Design of the LCLC Resonant Converters for Space Travelling-Wave Tube Amplifiers Applications

Due to the advantages of Zero-Voltage-Switching (ZVS) and Zero-Current-Switching (ZCS), the LCLC resonant converters are universally applied in the two-stage Electronic Power Conditioners (EPCs) of the space Travelling-Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTAs). In the two-stage EPCs, as the output voltage is regulated by the first stage, the main functions of the LCLC resonant converters are to boost the input voltage, provide galvanic isolation and keep high efficiency. However, the total power loss of the LCLC resonant converter is very challenging because of the multiple resonant components and their mutual couplings. In order to solve this problem, in this paper, a PSO-algorithm-based efficiency-oriented optimal design method of the LCLC resonant converter is proposed. Based on the analysis of the working principles, the total power loss, with consideration of all the power losses, including the driving loss and conduction loss of the main switches, transformer loss and power loss of the rectifiers, is calculated. After that, the total power loss is appointed as the objective function of the PSO algorithm, where the optimal circuit parameters are derived to minimize the total power loss. After the optimal circuit parameters are obtained, the LCLC resonant converter with the desired parameters will be built. Finally, the proposed PSO algorithm-based efficiency-oriented optimal design method is validated by an example.