Improved Insulation Design of Medium-Frequency Transformers Using a Semiconductive Coil Former


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Date

2025

Publication Type

Conference Paper

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

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Data

Abstract

This paper proposes using semiconductive materials in the manufacturing of the medium voltage (MV) coil former for medium-frequency transformers. By employing these materials, the common-mode (CM) component of the electric field – introduced by the series connection of converter modules on the MV side – can be effectively shielded, enabling a significantly simplified insulation design. The proposed concept is validated through FEM simulation and partial discharge (PD) tests. Experimental results confirm that the semiconductive coil former is PD-free, enabling a design supporting CM voltage levels more than 10% higher than conventional coil formers. The breakdown voltage can be accurately predicted (<5% error) and tailored through design, removing the necessity for large safety margins in insulation design.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

PCIM Conference 2025 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management

Journal / series

Volume

Pages / Article No.

428 - 436

Publisher

VDE Verlag

Event

PCIM Conference 2025 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Organisational unit

03889 - Biela, Jürgen / Biela, Jürgen check_circle

Notes

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