Prediction and experimental verification of core loss and temperature distribution for geometrically scaled finemet toroids using finite element analysis

Nanocomposites are becoming known as a class of materials that possess the capability to operate at high switching frequencies and handle high power levels. Understanding how their loss characteristics scale and thermal behaviors change as core geometries are altered is vital when designing for grid applications. This article utilizes ANSYS Maxwell finite element analysis (FEA) software to predict the Steinmetz coefficients associated with the core loss in toroids that geometrically vary. Results of the simulation are supported with experimental verification. Secondly, this article experimentally shows temperature contour variation with changes in toroid geometry pulsed with a 20 kHz switching square wave that could be predicted using FEA.