Power losses calculations in windings of gapped magnetic components

A model is proposed for the calculation of the winding losses at the beginning of the design process of high frequency transformers and inductors. Although this kind of losses have been subject of investigation for years, their analytical calculation in gapped components is still limited, and the use of numerical analysis tools, such as finite elements analysis (FEA) tools, are commonly needed for winding characterization. A general 2-D equivalent analytical model for windings losses calculation in gapped magnetic components that shows very good results compared with FEA calculation is presented. The model can be integrated in design and optimization tools in order to evaluate the influence of the gap on the windings at the very early stages of the design process.