A modelling technique to determine the high frequency transformer leakage inductance using the winding structure

The operation and efficiency of isolated DC-DC converters, critical components in solid-state transformers, are significantly impacted by leakage inductance in high-frequency transformers (HFTs). Different converters have varying demands regarding leakage inductance, ranging from precise control to minimal inductance. For instance, the performance of bidirectional isolated converters (BIDCs) and resonant converters is dependent on leakage inductance for the delivery of power. This study proposed a method for the control of leakage inductance by altering the winding configuration. The technique involved positioning the primary and secondary windings at predetermined heights to increase the separation between some winding turns, and thus, enhance leakage inductance. By not varying the average length of turns in the winding configuration, the proposed method was able to maintain a consistent copper loss. A modified mathematical model has been put forward to determine the leakage inductance effectively and precisely. The viability and accuracy of this method were validated through simulations and experiments using a three-phase HFT (3P-HFT) in a 3P-BIDC. The results showed that the leakage inductance that was calculated using the theoretical model was closely correlated to that of the simulation model, with only a variance of 3.9% and an error of 4.53% from the experimental results.