A Transformer Design for High-Voltage Application Using LLC Resonant Converter

Abstract

The inductor–inductor–capacitor (LLC) resonant converter is a suitable topology for wide output voltage and load range applications with limited circuit parameters. One of the most significant design boundaries of an LLC resonant converter in high-voltage applications is the parasitic capacitance effect of the main circuit components, particularly the transformer and junction capacitances of the secondary rectifier network. Parasitic capacitance effects are much higher in high-voltage applications than in low-voltage applications. Therefore, the use of an LLC resonant converter is limited to high-voltage applications. This study proposes to reduce the capacitive effects of high-voltage transformers and rectification networks with a multi-winding transformer with an integrated rectifier design and to use it in high-voltage applications with the advantages of the LLC resonant converter. For the proposed prototype, comparative experimental measurements were conducted using a conventional scheme. The measurements validate the reliability of the LLC converter for high-voltage applications, improving the output regulation performance while significantly reducing parasitic capacitances.

Keywords

• high-voltage transformers
• parasitic capacitance
• resonant power conversion
• transformer model