High-performance thermal management for high-power high-frequency transformers

The paper discusses a new approach to the design of thermal management for high-frequency high-power transformers. Proposed thermal management concept is based on heat removal by conduction aided by advanced heat conducting elements (heat pipes). The heat is collected on dedicated surfaces called thermal surfaces where the heat exchange with the environment occurs. Several implementations of heat removal paths are proposed and core and winding structures are analysed in order to reach an optimal heat removal solution. Further, the proposed heat removal concept is evaluated with a focus on the design and evaluation process of the thermal management system. The paper is concluded with experimental results on a 50 kW transformer prototype that utilises the proposed heat removal concepts. Experimental results of a full power converter prototype are briefly discussed as well.