A modelling technique to determine the high frequency transformer leakage inductance using the winding structure

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Power Electronics
• Transformer Design

Background:

• Leakage inductance in high-frequency transformers (HFTs) critically affects isolated DC-DC converter performance.
• Converter efficiency and control strategies, particularly for bidirectional isolated converters (BIDCs) and resonant converters, are sensitive to leakage inductance values.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel method for controlling leakage inductance in HFTs by modifying winding configurations.
• To develop a precise mathematical model for predicting leakage inductance based on the proposed winding technique.

Main Methods:

• Altering the winding configuration by adjusting the vertical separation between primary and secondary windings.
• Developing a modified mathematical model to accurately calculate leakage inductance.
• Validating the method through simulations and experimental tests on a three-phase HFT (3P-HFT) within a 3P-BIDC.

Main Results:

• The proposed winding configuration method successfully controlled leakage inductance.
• The modified mathematical model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting leakage inductance.
• Calculated inductance showed a 3.9% variance from simulations and a 4.53% error from experimental results.

Conclusions:

• The winding configuration adjustment is an effective technique for controlling HFT leakage inductance.
• The developed mathematical model provides a reliable tool for precise inductance calculation.
• This method offers a viable approach to optimize converter performance by managing leakage inductance without impacting copper loss.