Electro-thermal modeling, control and optimization in power distribution networks

The approach to electrical energy systems at all levels is undergoing large changes due to ever increasing demand for greater efficiency and improved power density. At the center of these systems are the power electronic converters that make efficient, flexible and controllable energy conversion possible. However, as power density and efficiency demands continue to increase, heat dissipation and cooling are hindering breakthroughs to the next level of performance. Current practices for the design and control of a power converter completely decouples the thermal management and the power electronic control aspects of the design. This paper presents an electro-thermal dynamic modeling and control methodology for power electronic converters that will optimize both electrical and thermal performance.