Genetic Algorithm Enabled Multi-Objective Design Optimization of Power Converters for Electric Aircraft Propulsion

Aircraft electrification is an enabling technology to achieve zero emissions within the aviation industry. Designing power conversion systems for aircraft applications requires the concurrent consideration of power density, efficiency, and reliability. Since these objectives cannot be optimized simultaneously, a Pareto front of designs which show adequate trade-offs between multiple objectives is desired. This work proposes a multi-objective design optimization method using a genetic algorithm to quickly and accurately produce candidate designs of an electric aircraft propulsion converter. A topology comparison between multiple voltage source converters is conducted to determine each converter’s suitability to aircraft propulsion applications.