Model predictive control of DC/DC boost converter with reinforcement learning

Abstract

Power electronics is seeing an increase in the use of sophisticated self-learning controllers as single board computers and microcontrollers progress faster. Traditional controllers, such as PI controllers, suffer from transient instability difficulties. The duty cycle and output voltage of a DC/DC converter are not linear. Due to this non-linearity, the PI controller generates variable levels of voltage fluctuations depending on the operating region of the converter. In some cases, non-linear controllers outperform PI controllers. The non-linear model of a non-linear controller is determined by data availability. So, a self-calibrating controller that collects data and optimizes itself as the operation goes on is necessary. Iteration and oscillation can be minimized with a well-trained reinforcement learning model utilizing a non-linear policy. A boost converter's output power supply capacity changes with a change in load, due to which the maximum duty cycle limit of a converter also changes. A support vector calibrated by reinforcement learning can dynamically change the duty cycle limit of a converter under variable load. This research highlights how reinforcement learning-based non-linear controllers can improve control and efficiency over standard controllers. The proposed concept is based on a microgrid system. Simulation and experimental analysis have been conducted on how reinforcement learning-based controller works for DC-DC boost converter.

Keywords

• Power electronic converters
• Non-linear controller
• Microgrid
• Machine learning