High frequency miniature planar transformer for energy harvesting applications

摘要

Energy harvesting (EH) is a relatively new area of research seen as a viable and affordable solution for powering up small size, autonomous devices, e.g. wireless sensor arrays. EH devices utilize small-scale parts with low power losses. Key components are the electric power transformers, which convert the voltage/current parameters from the primary, energy harvesting stage to the secondary, storage and delivery levels of the device. Miniaturized constructions, whose implementation may benefit of LIGA fabrication technology, are needed for compact, small size yet power transfer fitted solutions. This paper presents a mathematical model and numerical simulation results for such a miniature, planar, spiral EPT. The study is concerned with the quasi-stationary electromagnetic field and heat transfer analysis of a miniature planar spiral power transformer for EH devices. The paper presents also several key design parameters of the MPST of interest in the DC/DC convertor design.