Design and Simulation of a High-Efficiency Micro-Transformer for Photovoltaic Application

Abstract

This paper presents the design and analysis of a micro-transformer model aimed at achieving high efficiency in photovoltaic applications. The proposed micro-transformer structure consists of two circular planar coils made of copper mounted on PCB (FR4) and Si substrates. The Mohan formula is employed to calculate the micro-transformer’s geometric parameters, ensuring alignment with flyback converter specifications. Consequently, the inductance, quality factors, and coupling factor variation parameters versus frequency, and the impact of the gap between the coils (500, 750, and 1000 µm) on them were analyzed. The simulation findings unequivocally demonstrated that a judicious reduction in gap thickness to 500 µm resulted in a remarkable enhancement of the coupling factor by an impressive 91%. Moreover, finite element-based software was used to analyze the thermal, magnetic, and electric performance of the micro-transformer across varying gap sizes. The investigation led to the determination of the optimal gap thickness that achieves adequate temperature, current, and magnetic flux distribution in the micro-transformer. Finally, the simulation circuit of a photovoltaic system that incorporates a flyback converter including the proposed micro-transformer was performed. Overall, the results revealed that the proposed micro-transformer model with its circular planar coil design offers high efficiency in PV applications.

Keywords:

• Micro-transformer
• flyback converter
• photovoltaic
• DC–DC converter
• high-efficiency
• integration

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Abdelhadi Namoune

Abdelhadi Namoune born in Chlef, Algeria, in 1980, earned his diploma in electrical engineering from the University of Chlef in 2006, a Magister degree in plasma and discharge from the University of Oran in 2010, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oran in 2017. Dr. Namoune currently serves as an associate professor of electrical engineering at Relizane University, Algeria, specializing in power electronics, Renewable Energy Sources and Technology, as well as RF, Microwaves, Wireless, and Optical Communication.

Mohammed Ridha Benzidane

Mohammed Ridha Benzidane born in Mostaganem, Algeria, in 1991, is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Mostaganem. He successfully obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the same institution in 2022. Dr. Benzidane focuses on the realm of power electronics, power conversion, renewable energy, and the integration of passive components.

Rachid Taleb

Rachid Taleb received the M.S. degree in electrical engineering from the Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef, Algeria, in 2004 and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel-Abbes, Algeria, in 2011. Currently he is a professor with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef and the director of the LGEER Laboratory (Laboratoire Génie Electrique et Energies Renouvelables). His research interest includes intelligent control, heuristic optimization, control theory of converters, power electronics and renewable energy systems.

Abdelkader Boukortt

Abdelkader Boukorttborn in Algeria in 1968, is the Director of the Elaboration and Characterization Physico-Mechanical and Metallurgical of Materials Laboratory. He is a professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Mostaganem. His work primarily centers on ab-initio calculations, electronic properties of materials, Optical Communication, and microelectronics.

Zineb Benbouzid

Zineb Benbouzidborn in 1995 in Mostaganem, holds a Master degree in Physics of Materials obtained in 2020 from university of mostaganem. Currently a Ph.D. student at the Elaboration and Characterization Physico-Mechanical and Metallurgical of Materials Laboratory, actively preparing her thesis with an expected defense date in June 2024. Zineb's research interests revolve around electrical modeling and solar devices.

Mansour Benyamina

Mansour Benyaminais an active member at the Elaboration and Characterization Physico-Mechanical and Metallurgical of Materials Laboratory. As an associate professor in the electrical engineering department, his research areas include power electronics, power management, systems defect detection, and industrial control and monitoring.