Continuous-Control-Set Model Predictive Control with Active Thermal Control in GaN-based DC-DC Converters for EV applications

A Continuous-Control-Set Model Predictive Control (CCS-MPC) proposed for DC-DC converters for EV powertrains based on Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility Transistors (GaN HEMTs) devices is presented in this work. The CCS-MPC allows full control of system states by adopting a multi-objective control approach, ensuring optimal power exchange between the DC link bus and a battery. The main contribution of this paper is a systematic implementation of the thermal-management of power devices by including an Active Thermal Control (ATC) in the context of CCS-MPC. The secondary contribution is to verify the proposed method in a Two-Level Buck Converter (TLBC), used in EV applications for e.g. auxiliary battery charging interfaces. Finally, simulation results are presented to verify the performance of the proposed control scheme.