Model order reduction in inductors for rapid virtual prototyping in power electronics

With the need for increasing efficiencies in power electronics combined with the trend for smaller device, optimisation of power electronic systems is needed. This paper considers the steps needed to model inductors for such optimisation techniques. The use of multi-domain methods to combine smaller component models into a larger system model is the first step for such virtual prototyping. For the modelling of the electrical performance of components, Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC) models have been used. Standard PEEC techniques, however, are not able to model magnetic components. The extension of these methods to incorporate magnetic materials allows for the modelling of inductors using these techniques. Model Order Reduction (MOR) techniques applied to the system matrices produced by PEEC allow for solving transient models quickly without loss of model fidelity. With all three of these techniques, combined rapid virtual prototyping of systems including inductors is possible.