Analysis of Losses in a Three-Port High-Frequency Transformer Under Different Frequencies and Load Conditions

Abstract

Conventional transformers exhibit losses due to their intrinsic electrical resistance. In contrast, high-frequency transformers provide the advantage of notably decreasing these losses due to the significantly lower currents flowing through the conductors. Moreover, in high-frequency transformers, the losses in the magnetic cores are often reduced because of decreased eddy currents and hysteresis. This article analyzes the losses incurred by a multiport transformer due to fluctuations in operation frequencies and loads applied to its outputs. An analysis of voltage drop variations is conducted under two distinct circumstances. In the first case, there are two load ports and one power supply port. In the second situation, one of the ports is converted into a power source, creating a transformer with two inputs and one output. An extensive analysis of the high-frequency core’s behavior is conducted, which includes a meticulous assessment of hysteresis losses and operational conditions for each scenario. This study entails a quantitative assessment of variations under different load conditions. Three-dimensional (3-D) finite element experimental measurements and finite element analysis (FEA) findings 1 are employed to demonstrate the above instances. This work analyzes how various transformer topologies, including the triple active bridge (TAB), affect the physical and electrical properties. Consequently, it enhances understanding and enables more efficient design of these devices for power electronic transformers (PET).