A High-Performance Fractional Order Controller Based on Chaotic Manta-Ray Foraging and Artificial Ecosystem-Based Optimization Algorithms Applied to Dual Active Bridge Converter

Over the last decade, dual active bridge (DAB) converters have become critical components in high-frequency power conversion systems. Recently, intensive efforts have been directed at optimizing DAB converter design and control. In particular, several strategies have been proposed to improve the performance of DAB control systems. For example, fractional-order (FO) control methods have proven potential in several applications since they offer improved controllability, flexibility, and robustness. However, the FO controller design process is critical for industrializing their use. Conventional FO control design methods use frequency domain-based design schemes, which result in complex and impractical designs. In addition, several nonlinear equations need to be solved to determine the optimum parameters. Currently, metaheuristic algorithms are used to design FO controllers due to their effectiveness in improving system performance and their ability to simultaneously tune possible design parameters. Moreover, metaheuristic algorithms do not require precise and detailed knowledge of the controlled system model. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm based on the chaotic artificial ecosystem-based optimization (AEO) and manta-ray foraging optimization (MRFO) algorithms is proposed with the aim of combining the best features of each. Unlike the conventional MRFO method, the newly proposed hybrid AEO-CMRFO algorithm enables the use of chaotic maps and weighting factors. Moreover, the AEO and CMRFO hybridization process enables better convergence performance and the avoidance of local optima. Therefore, superior FO controller performance was achieved compared to traditional control design methods and other studied metaheuristic algorithms. An exhaustive study is provided, and the proposed control method was compared with traditional control methods to verify its advantages and superiority.