A multiscale physics-based magnetics design framework for ship scale power electronics
Abstract
Approved for Public ReleaseThe proposed research is prompted by an engineering problem in present power electronics. Rapid progress,in wide bandgap semiconductors has revolutionized active devices in power converters, leaving the indispensable passive magnetic com,ponents (e.g. inductors and transformers) behind. To further the system-level miniaturization and performance improvement, the perfo,rmance limits set by intrinsic physical properties (e.g. saturation level, permeability, loss) must be broken by novel magnetic mate,rials as well as radically new component designs. Both routes entail the need for multiscale modeling of magnetic materials that bri,dges the nanoscale fundamental physics to the component-level properties. Our specific objectives are: 1) to establish a modeling me,thodology that leverages mature and readily available circuit simulators to simulate complex dynamics in magnetic materials, and 2),to develop a prototype tool kit for modeling modern and emerging magnetic materials to the component level. Our technical approach i,s based on the unifying mathematics behind all dynamical phenomena, among them circuit network behaviors. We construct surrogate cir,cuit models for magnetic materials by mapping magnetic interactions to coupling circuit elements, thereby achieving multiscale model,ing with interconnected, hierarchical circuit networks. By doing so, we leverage the power of widely available circuit simulators ma,tured over decades through advances that have occurred in the integrated circuit design industry. We anticipate two-fold outcomes fr,om this research. First, a new multiscale modeling methodology will be established, contributing new insights to various scientific,fields including novel magnetic materials research that is intimately related to our original problem. Second, a physics-based yet e,ngineer-friendly modeling solution will be provided, disrupting the current practice of magnetic component and power converter desig,n based on empirical models.This research effort will facilitate ONRs internal multi-disciplinary collaborations by building the br,idge between the material science and the power electronics communities, expedite novel magnetic materials implementations in ship-s,cale power conversion systems, and enhance the capability of achieving lighter weight and higher density power electronics building,blocks (PEBBs) employing future WBG and UWBG devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 13, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212545
Entities
People
- Han Cui
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Tennessee