Analysis and experimentation of the quad‐U variable inductor for power electronics applications

Abstract

In this study, the analysis of the quad-U variable inductor (VI) is presented. This is an alternative structure of VI to other ones previously presented and analysed in the literature, as for example the double-E structure and the triple-E structure. Compared to them, the quad-U structure shows some advantages, namely more symmetrical operation and zero voltage reflected across the bias winding. The superposition law is applied to the equivalent reluctance model in order to solve for DC and AC operation separately. Using the proposed methodology, both AC winding inductance and DC winding inductance can be obtained. An example of analysis is presented for a particular quad-U VI. Simulation and experimental results prove the validity of the proposed analysis and modelling methodology.