Hello,
I am designing a power supply for increased power density in a large step-up, high voltage application that requires isolation.
Since the transformer is typically the largest and heaviest part, and high voltage transformers bring with it increased considerations of transformer parasitics (namely capacitance) - I am looking at ways to reduce transformer size and improve power density. In my application, I have multiple secondary outputs that are stacked together by connecting in series the capacitors after a voltage multiplier. This is one way to reduce the ratings of the secondary components and the transformer. However, I am looking at more creative ways also.
I have recently seen some topologies that use two smaller isolation transformers rather than one large one. My question is, what exactly is the benefit of this? The input current will be shared between the two transformers, reducing their VA rating (and possibly size?), but the voltages seen by the transformer do not change - therefore I am unsure if it brings benefits to me. Is there other benefits to using multiple, smaller transformers than the one I have outlined for purposes of increasing power density, size, weight etc?
My idea was instead of using one transformer with, say, 8 sec. windings connected in series, to use 2 transformers each with 4 sec. windings connected in series to supply the load. I'm a bit of a newbie to transformer design but I am looking at creative ways to improve the design!
Thanks in advance.
I am designing a power supply for increased power density in a large step-up, high voltage application that requires isolation.
Since the transformer is typically the largest and heaviest part, and high voltage transformers bring with it increased considerations of transformer parasitics (namely capacitance) - I am looking at ways to reduce transformer size and improve power density. In my application, I have multiple secondary outputs that are stacked together by connecting in series the capacitors after a voltage multiplier. This is one way to reduce the ratings of the secondary components and the transformer. However, I am looking at more creative ways also.
I have recently seen some topologies that use two smaller isolation transformers rather than one large one. My question is, what exactly is the benefit of this? The input current will be shared between the two transformers, reducing their VA rating (and possibly size?), but the voltages seen by the transformer do not change - therefore I am unsure if it brings benefits to me. Is there other benefits to using multiple, smaller transformers than the one I have outlined for purposes of increasing power density, size, weight etc?
My idea was instead of using one transformer with, say, 8 sec. windings connected in series, to use 2 transformers each with 4 sec. windings connected in series to supply the load. I'm a bit of a newbie to transformer design but I am looking at creative ways to improve the design!
Thanks in advance.