Design optimization methodology for power converters based on global energy requirement criteria. Application to a DC-DC flyback structure

This paper discusses a design methodology for power electronic converters according to the Global Energy Requirement (GER) criterion, i.e. the primary energy consumption over their entire life cycle. For given specifications of the converter, each power component of a self-oscillating flyback converter and the main control parameters are optimized using scaling laws for given technologies. Models linking sizes of components, loss parameters and embodied energy parameters are presented. Finally a comparison is realized between a GER-designed converters and a classical one (designed from thermal criteria) which concludes to an improvement of efficiency for a given consumption profile.