3D Virtual Identification of a Power Inter Cell Transformer

Abstract:
When we talk about integration in power electronic, the main issue is to reduce size and weight, in particular of passive filtering components such as inductors or transformers, all in conserving high performances. This is made possible for example by the use of Power Inter Cell Transformers (ICT) in new interleaved multi cell power converters [1-2]. But, due to the complexity of those geometries and the high frequency behavior, the design of such ICT is quite difficult and the electromagnetic parameters identification also. So, the purpose of this work is to present a 3D virtual frequency identification of ICTs by the use of finite element met hod in order to extract electromagnetic parameters such as serial resistances and proper or mutual inductances. To take into account skin and proximity phenomena which are extremely important in multi turn solenoids, we have used finite shell elements to model aluminum foils and finite volume elements for the remaining structure. Simulation results are compared with a very good agreement to experimental measurements.