Magnetic Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Commercially Available Single Integrated Transformer in Three-Phase <italic>LLC</italic> Resonant Converter

Abstract

Multiphase topologies are preferably employed in power conversion systems to lessen the per-phase circuit current, conduction losses, devices thermal stresses, and to reduce the output current ripples. A multiphase LLC resonant dc/dc converter usually possesses a number of magnetic cores equal to the number of phases. These magnetic cores are the major contributors to supply volume, weight, and size. For these reasons, circuit designers tend to select the topologies that have a minimal number of magnetic cores. In this paper, the authors aim to promote the industrial applications of the three-phase LLC resonant converter by integrating three transformers into a single commercially available magnetic core to reduce the volume, weight, and cost of the power converter. A comprehensive magnetic analysis for the three-phase-integrated transformer is conducted. Finite element method (FEM) simulation and experimental tests are carried out to validate the proper operation of the integrated transformer utilized in a 390-/12-V to 500-W prototype. Furthermore, the power losses distribution has been presented. The proposed integrated transformer has been proven effective, and it realized a uniform thermal distribution along the core compared to the three-discrete transformers.