Modelling process and optimization of EMC filters for power electronics applications

Purpose The frequency simulation and optimisation of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) filter is often computation time consuming. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach for easy and fast modelling and optimization of power electronics structures. Design/methodology/approach The paper proposes an approach for easy and fast modelling and optimization of power electronics structures. It focuses on the EMC filter design. To achieve this task time simulation, FFT and automatic frequency modelling are combined. Findings An automatic frequency modelling is proposed and also gives automatically the model gradients. Therefore, the model can be used to optimize the EMC filter, but also can help in choosing its topology. Several optimization algorithms are used and compared. Research limitations/implications The power electronics load is supposed to be a set of predefined harmonic sources, obtained by time simulation + FFT before the optimisation process. Practical implications The frequency model allows for the rapid designing and comparing of several structures or modelling hypothesis with regard to the parasitic elements and circuit imperfections. Originality/value The frequency model is automatically generated, and sizing criteria on the component (e.g. inductors, capacitor) can be added in an analytical form, for example, to deal with volume or mass criteria.