A class of high-efficiency air-core power transformers with flux-guiding resonators

Abstract

Developments in high frequency power semiconductors have enabled the miniaturization of power system components, leading to the reduction of heavy, lossy magnetic steel cores as a media for electromagnetic energy transfer. A final push towards fully “air-core” power devices is underway and a new class of coreless transformers is under development at MIT which targets the cost-sensitive application of grid-tied renewable energy farms. The topology is composed of a primary coil, a secondary coil, and one or more nested resonant tanks that facilitate efficient multi-path energy transfer. This class of transformers presents opportunities for upfront cost savings via material reduction, and long-term cost savings via efficiency gains and the resulting reduction of lost profit. This work will examine the theory, modeling efforts, system-level considerations, and rigorous experimental validation necessary to compare the performance of these transformers with other topologies and establish industrial viability.