Comprehensive Analysis of Magnetic Flux Distribution in Planar Cores and Surface Flux Density in Airgap

Inhalt:
The accurate characterization of magnetic flux distribution in planar cores and flux density in airgap is essential for optimizing the design and efficiency of power electronic components, particularly in highfrequency applications. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the magnetic flux distribution and flux density in the airgap in the base material of a Manganese Zinc (Mn-Zn) ferrite planar transformer core. For this study, available commercially off-the-shelf ferrite cores have been selected, which are designed to handle high-frequency (500 kHz) and high-power (10 kW) applications. Two measurement methods have been investigated to capture the flux distribution in magnetic cores, each offering distinct advantages in terms of resolution, precision, and practicality. One is dedicated to measuring flux within the core, while the other focuses on capturing flux in the air gap, together providing a comprehensive view of the magnetic field across both regions. The properties of the planar cores are characterized, and the effects of dimensional variations are evaluated using Finite Element Analysis. This approach is experimentally validated to confirm the accuracy of the simulation results. The validated findings are critical for optimizing transformer core designs, providing valuable insights into both magnetic performance and structural integrity.