Model Predictive Control of a Dual Active Bridge: Real-Time HIL Validation with FPGA Modulator

The Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter is being increasingly used in DC traction systems of Electric Vehicles (EV). To obtain a high-performance output voltage control, the Moving-Discretized-Control-Set Model-Predictive Control (MDCS-MPC) has been employed in combination with the Single-Phase-Shift (SPS) modulation. This works describes an implementation of the control system using an FPGA to achieve a high-resolution phase-shift modulation. The evaluation of the controller's dynamic response is carried out using a Hardware-In-The-Loop (HIL) platform, thereby providing a real-time validation of the MDCS-MPC strategy. The controller's performance is evaluated through steady-state, reference change and load disturbance conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of the predictive controller.