Ultra-High Frequency Soft Magnet Technology for High Power Applications
Abstract
Public Abstract : Approved for Public ReleaseResearch Problem and Objectives: Emergence of switching devices based on wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors such as SiC and GaN has enabled design of power electronics converters with unprecedented combination of switching frequency, voltage levels, and power handling capabilities. Further advances anticipated as the semiconductor community increasingly looks towards the next generation of so-called Ultra-Wide Bandgap (UWBG) semiconductor materials such as Ga2O3 and diamond forpower electronics switching devices. Due to the frequency ranges anticipated (i.e. ~50kHz - 10MHz) at medium voltage and medium tohigh power levels (kW to MW-scale), successfully realizing the full potential of UWBG based power electronics converters will require new classes of magnetic materials and manufacturing approaches not currently available. The current project seeks to address needs for advanced magnetic materials and manufacturing methods for emerging WBG and UWBG devices through novel concepts in advanced materials, advanced manufacturing methods including additive, and transformer / inductor designs as well as power electronics converter control schemes. More specifically, we seek to explore new concepts in ferrite-based materials with higher saturation flux densities as well ability to tune properties spatially and dynamically for optimized components. We also explore potential impacts of theadvanced magnetics in novel power conversion schemes.Technical Approaches: To address needs for advanced soft magnetics, a four-year program will pursue enabling materials and magnetic component technology. In the first task, complementary material development and manufacturing strategies will leverage ferrite-based materials to realize ferrite nanocomposite systems. More specifically, new core materials will be developed based upon modified ferrite and metal powder synthesis and processing strategies, with a goal of successfully achievinga new class of high-frequency core materials overcoming limitations of current ferrites and nanocrystalline / amorphous alloys. A second task will focus on advanced manufacturing and novel component designs for optimized thermal performance and maximum power densities through spatial variation in magnetic properties as well as dynamically tunable magnetic core performance for inductor applications. A third task will place an emphasis on optimized designs of transformer and inductor components from 50kHz-10MHz, and their applications in representative power electronics conversion systems, properly accounting for challenges arising at component level including parasitics and medium voltage isolation. Anticipated Outcome of the Research, If Successful: The proposed research will pursue fundamental research enabling a rational pathway to ultra-high frequency magnetic material and component design through a combination of advanced materials and manufacturing approaches. Increased saturation flux densities of ferrite-based core materials will be enabled with new capabilities for spatial and dynamic tuning of magnetic core properties for enhanced component performance. Enhanced design and optimization tools of inductors will also be demonstrated.Impact on DOD Capabilities:echnologies ranging from 50kHz to as high as the MHz range are beginning to play important role in next generation power electronics and power conversion technologies for the Navy and DOD. The proposed research directly supports the need with fundamental technology that will help ensure major federal investments in WBG and UWBG semiconductors technologies are fully leveraged.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112498
Entities
People
- Paul R. Ohodnicki
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Pittsburgh