Optimal cross section shape of tape wound cores

Abstract

Tape wound cores are used in different applications where high power density is desired due to their high performance at high frequencies. In high power applications, inductor and transformer cores have large cross sections and consequently wide core legs which may result in different flux densities and temperatures in each layer as experimentally shown. This paper verifies the influence of the core cross section shape in the losses and temperature distribution inside the core. Optimal cross section shapes are developed in order to minimize different criteria such as core losses, heat extraction capabilities and total core weight.