Comparison of BSPT and PZT Piezoelectric Ceramic Transformers for High‐Temperature Power Supplies

Abstract

High‐temperature power electronics is an advancing area of research, especially given the widespread availability of wide bandgap semiconductors. Herein, a suitability analysis of (1−x)BiScO3−xPbTiO3 (BSPT) as a material for high‐temperature piezoelectric transformers (PTs) is presented and compared to state‐of‐the‐art Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PZT). Initially, both materials are compared using a variety of metrics to prove the suitability of BSPT as a material for constructing PTs specifically for high‐temperature applications. PTs based on the two materials are designed and fabricated, and then subsequently characterized using impedance measurements. Finally, half‐bridge resonant inverters are constructed using both PTs and the performance of each inverter measured over a range of ambient temperatures. The result of these experiments confirms the suitability of BSPT for PT applications and shows the excellent performance of BSPT PTs at temperatures in excess of that possible with PZT‐based PTs.

Bidirectional inverting piezo resonator-based (BIPR) converter for cell balancing applications

“…COMPONENT SELECTION For the proposed converter, the chosen PR should exhibit low losses, to maximise output (balancing) current and for high efficiency. To the authors' knowledge, it is not possible to accurately predict PR loss as the loss arises from several sources, which include the piezoelectric material, quality of PR construction, electrode connection location, mounting method, and varies with ambient temperature [21]. However, constructing a PR using a 'hard' piezoelectric material with a high coupling factor for the chosen vibration mode and a high Q factor should help to minimise the losses.…”

Inductorless Step-Up Piezoelectric Resonator (SUPR) Converter: A Describing Function Analysis

“…Piezoelectric-based resonant converters are an alternative to traditional resonant converters, offering several advantages including high power density, high efficiency, low EMI content and the ability to be used in harsh environments [1]- [4]. Piezoelectric devices make use of the direct and converse piezoelectric effects, allowing the transformation of energy from mechanical to electrical and vice versa, respectively.…”

“…Fig 4 . Experimental waveforms for the SUPR converter when driving a 1kΩ load with a 26% 𝑆 2 duty cycle[22].…”