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For the operating frequency in comparison with other electric power converters, high-frequency power converters are one of the most advanced converter devices used today. In the sections below, some of the commonly used types are discussed in detail.
These very important electrical machines convert relatively constant direct voltage into other voltages at elevated frequency levels. By up-converting or down-converting DC voltage, a high-frequency DC-DC converter can adjust the voltage to the needed level for specific applications. These are mainly applied in the space industry, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
These converters perform the function of changing the input AC voltage frequency to the desired output frequency. These converters either step up or step down the voltage frequency coming from the AC source. They are used in systems where the input AC source frequency should be processed and utilized in an output that requires a different frequency. These converters have applications in electric drive systems, aircraft power distribution and other sectors where different frequency power grids coexist.
These are switching converters that operate at resonant frequency. Resonant converters typically use LC or LCL circuits to attain the resonance effect. Due to this property of resonant converters, they can achieve higher conversion efficiency with lower EMI.
Inductive power transfer converters use electromagnetic induction to deliver power wirelessly. These converters operate at high frequencies, typically in the range of 100 kHz to MHz since wireless power transfer is often a high-frequency phenomenon. It has numerous uses, one of which is charging electric vehicles
Integrated circuit converters are used to perform DC-DC or AC-DC conversion functions at high frequencies. These are usually integrated into compact electronic devices. These converters use high-frequency operation to reduce the size of passive components and ensure the IC converter keeps optimum performance even in tight spaces and minimal energy loss.
High-frequency power converters come in different structures, and the materials of these structures very much correlate to durability and efficiency. Further in this writing, the details and functions of the materials used for these converters are discussed.
Metallic materials are the primary materials used in high-frequency power converters. The types of metals used are usually copper, aluminium, stainless steel and nickel.
Copper is widely used in high-frequency DC-DC converters due to its high electric conductivity. The resistivity of copper is about 1.68 × 10–8 Ω·m, while aluminium, which is the second most conductive, has a resistivity of 2.82 × 10–8 Ω·m.
Aluminium: Copper is used to construct wires and other structures of converters. Due to its lower cost and relatively good conductivity, aluminium is used. Stainless steel is also used for some components like housings as it provides a good environment for electric insulation and is durable against weather conditions and oxidation. Metals like Nickel are used as coatings on connectors and other elements to increase resistance to corrosion and wear.
High-frequency power converters predominantly employ semiconductor devices: MOSFETs, IGBTs and GaN and SiC transistors. These materials are chosen based on their ability to endure high frequencies and voltages.
Silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are wide-bandgap semiconductors that hold higher electric fields, making them suitable for high-frequency operation. These materials are also very sturdy and can operate efficiently in adverse conditions.
Silicon (Si): This is one of the most frequently used semiconductor materials in power electronics. Silicon devices are majorly used in applications that do not demand very high frequencies or voltages. They are pretty durable but have lesser performance compared to SiC and GaN.
Polymeric materials play a very significant role in the production of high-frequency power converters. Polymeric materials have a great influence on insulating the whole system to ensure smooth operations. They are also used in making the encapsulation of electronic devices to enhance their durability and longevity.
Hello, voltage, and thermosetting plastics are used to produce converter insulators, while thermoplastics make the base and encapsulation. This is because thermosets have superior dielectric properties.
Polyimide and epoxy resins are typically applied as insulation materials for the windings of transformers and inductors. These resin compounds can withstand exceedingly high temperatures and ensure very high endurance. Amongst the thermoplastic polymers that have been found to be effective in recent years, polyamide, polyester and PEEK are good examples.
High-frequency power converters guide the smooth running of many commercial business operations. These electronic devices are very important in power management systems in various industries. The commercial value and employment of these converters in the sections below are discussed with examples.
High-frequency power converters are used in advanced telecom systems like base stations, satellite communications, and fiber optic transmission. They are responsible for power supply voltage regulation, and signal amplification is done through these converters. Also, high-frequency power converters are used in telecom power backup systems like UPS and batteries and DC-DC converters.
High-frequency power converters supply power to devices in the healthcare industry, like CAT scans and MRIs. They also help in wireless charging systems for implantable medical devices like pacemakers. These converters are important in ensuring such systems operate smoothly and consistently.
The converters are used in many electric vehicle systems, from the battery charging level to the electric motor drive. The main function of the charger is to convert the electricity from the grid to be stored as DC in batteries and AC power for electric motors from DC through inversion.
The aerospace and defence industries are some of the most commonly used fields where these converters are applied. All the satellite systems, radar, and avionics circuitry rely on these converters to ensure the necessary voltage levels are achieved and electromagnetic interference minimised. This is also true for power distribution systems in space.
High-frequency power3 converters are used in renewable energy systems in many areas of life, like wind and solar energy. In solar inverter systems, for example, DC electricity coming from solar panels is converted into AC to feed it into power grids. The role of converters in the space and time of electrical power coming from renewable sources and its distribution to the desired load cannot be overemphasised.
The selection of high-frequency power converters should be considered in detail. The factors that should be considered include application, bandwidth, input and output power, operating frequency, efficiency and system compatibility. Below are these factors considered in detail.
The correct converter to use depends on the usage of the area. A high-frequency DC-DC converter is the best fit for spacecraft power systems. Conversely, a resonant converter may be best for wireless power transfer systems. This is because it provides improved efficiency and lower EMI.
The bandwidth of the high-frequency power converter determines the range of output voltage or frequency it can handle. The buffer zone in which the converter can operate safely without going into overload or underrating is the bandwidth. Ensure the converter has sufficient bandwidth for the intended application. This is because insufficient bandwidth leads to poor performance and frequent system failures.
These are the essential parameters because they determine the converter should be capable of handling the input voltage and current levels. Also, the converter should provide the desired output voltage and current levels near the output needed by the end user. Matching the converter to the power requirements is very essential. It ensures efficiency and prevents damage to the equipment.
This is about the frequency at which the converter switches power. In applications requiring high power density, a high-frequency converter is desirable to reduce the size of passive components. On the contrary, low-frequency converters are preferred where electromagnetic interference is not a frequent visitor.
Efficiency is a measure of how well the converter can transfer power from input to output without dissipating too much power as heat. The higher the efficiency of the converter, the better it is for the environment, and the save cost will be minimal. Less heat generation means less damage to sensitive components.
Check if the converters that are compatible with a given system, such as voltage levels, signal types and frequency characteristics, can be used. This ensures that the converters will integrate perfectly with the existing hardware and software. It allows smooth operation and minimal modification in the systems.
A1: Efficiency is a measure of the total power output over the total power input, while effectiveness is a qualitative measure based on application.
A2: Yes, they are quite durable because of the materials they are made of, like metals, semiconductors and polymers, which ensure sturdiness.
A3: The important areas are electric vehicles, aerospace, telecoms and healthcare industries, and renewable energy systems like solar and wind.
A4: Copper, silicon carbide, gallium nitride, polymers and nickel are used to make high-frequency power converters.
A5: The high-frequency DC-DC converter is widely used, particularly in space, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
