Using Deterministic Optimization to Compare Interleaved and Coupled Inverters: Results and Experimental Verification

This paper presents the use of a deterministic optimization strategy in order to compare three candidate topologies for inverters used in a 10kW aircraft application. Analytical derivable models are presented for computing the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) on the AC side, considering the saturation of the inductors, and leakage effects for the couplers. Since the number of interleaved or coupled levels is not derivable, a study is carried out to adapt this specific situation to gradient-based strategy. The optimization results comparing the three topologies in the study case of aircraft requirements are provided, showing the best tradeoff between weight and efficiency. It is also demonstrated that the results obtained in a so-called "imaginary world" without any limitation in component industrial discretization are still valid in the real world using existing devices. Experimental validation is carried out on all three inverters, using calorimetric test benches to verify the losses and conventional FFT of the waveforms to compute the THD. These results show a good accuracy of the developed models and validate the optimizations.