This paper presents the design, modeling, and tests of the prototype multicell piezoelectric motor (MPM). A new concept of the electromechanical structure of the considered prototype is based on three rotating-mode actuators. The electromechanical structure of each actuator has been considered as an independent one—referred to as a “single cell” (single actuator). Combined three resonant actuators generate three traveling waves that as a result improve the stability and performance of the MPM. The results of research carried out using analytical, simulation, and experimental methods cover the torque versus speed characteristics of the prototype MPM.

The development process and experimental investigation of the multicell piezoelectric motor is presented in this paper. The proposed design consists of three individual cells integrated into the stator, double rotor, and a preload system. Those elements are combined into a symmetrical structure of the motor. The two new prototypes have been designed, simulated and tested. Finite element numerical analysis is carried out to obtain optimal dimensions of the individual cell in terms of generated vibrations and resonant frequencies of the structure. The results of the numerical analysis are compared with analytical calculations based on the equivalent circuit model. The stator of the motor was manufactured using a three-dimensional (3-D) printer using alumide material. Finally, the experimental tests were conducted and presented. Analytical, numerical and experimental results are in satisfactory agreement. Two new prototypes of the multicell piezoelectric motor exhibit torque-speed characteristics similar to the original while being cheaper and easier to manufacture.

This paper represents a numerical and experimental investigation of the multicell piezoelectric motor. The proposed design consists of three individual cells that are integrated into the stator, double rotor, and a preload system combined into a symmetrical structure of the motor. Each of the cells is characterized by a traveling wave and rotating mode motor. A finite element numerical analysis is carried out to obtain optimal geometrical dimensions of the individual cell in terms of generated vibrations and resonant frequencies of the structure. The results of the numerical analysis are compared with analytical calculations based on the equivalent circuit theory. Experimental tests are also presented, including laser interferometry measurements of vibrations generated at the surface of the stator, impedance analysis, as well as measurements of mechanical characteristics of the complete motor. The final stage of the study concludes that the presented motor can provide relatively high torque compared with other traveling wave rotary motors.

This article presents the modified Preisach model of hysteresis for a 3-phase medium frequency transformer in a 100 kW dual active bridge converter. The transformer magnetic core is assembled out of ferrite I-cores, which results in multiple parasitic air gaps. For this transformer, the hysteresis loops were measured and the parameters of the Preisach model were determined. The Preisach distribution function is approximated with a two-dimensional Gauss function series and the feedback function is a 3rd-degree polynomial. The optimized identification of Preisach distribution function parameters was prepared. Two sets of parameters were determined based on the analysis of major and minor hysteresis loop. The developed model is used to analyze the transformer core power loss. A new set of Steinmetz equation parameters for the multi air gap ferrite core MFT is proposed.

The magnetizing inductance of the medium frequency transformer (MFT) impacts the performance of the isolated dc-dc power converters. The ferrite material is considered for high power transformers but it requires an assembly of type “I” cores resulting in a multi air gap structure of the magnetic core. The authors claim that the multiple air gaps are randomly distributed and that the average air gap length is unpredictable at the industrial design stage. As a consequence, the required effective magnetic permeability and the magnetizing inductance are difficult to achieve within reasonable error margins. This article presents the measurements of the equivalent B(H) and the equivalent magnetic permeability of two three-phase MFT prototypes. The measured equivalent B(H) is used in an FEM simulation and compared against a no load test of a 100 kW isolated dc-dc converter showing a good fit within a 10% error. Further analysis leads to the demonstration that the equivalent magnetic permeability and the average air gap length are nonlinear functions of the number of air gaps. The proposed exponential scaling function enables rapid estimation of the magnetizing inductance based on the ferrite material datasheet only.

This article presents a nonlinear equivalent circuit model of an isolated dc-dc converter with a 3-phase medium frequency transformer. The model takes into account the magnetic cross saturation of the 3-phase core type magnetic circuit. The model is suitable in detailed electromagnetic transient simulations of power systems involving isolated dc-dc converters. The model is developed using the Lagrange energy method. It involves a matrix of dynamic inductances containing a nonlinear term resulting from core magnetization and a linear term resulting from leakage flux. The model parameters are determined based on a series of magnetostatic finite element method simulations. This approach is convenient when applied to high power transformers offering a limited characterization effort, or if the transformer prototype does not exist. The experimental validation performed on a novel 3-phase MFT prototype in a 100kW 1.2kV 20kHz dual active bridge converter has proved the validity of the model and model parameters. The no-load steady-state and inrush tests and the full load test show a very good fit between the simulated and experimentally measured waveforms. The comparison with a classical simplified model neglecting magnetic cross saturation shows a significant difference in the no-load inrush test.