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This paper presents a new average electrothermal model of the inductor dedicated to the computer analysis of dc–dc converters, such as a boost converter. The proposed model takes into account the influence of power losses in the ferromagnetic core on frequency and temperature. The considered model includes parameters, values of which are estimated on the basis of the catalog data of the inductor components—the core and the winding. To prove the usefulness of the average electrothermal model of the inductor, calculations of the characteristics of the boost converter are performed. The results of calculations are compared with the results of measurements and the good agreement between these results is achieved for two types of ferromagnetic cores made of powdered iron or ferrite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a smart transformer-based electrical distribution could be an effective approach to reorganizing the electric grid and solving the problems and challenges of distributed generation systems and active loads. While lower efficiency and higher cost compared with the conventional transformer are well known and investigated limiting factors, the required higher maintenance, related to the use of electronics systems in the electric grid, is seldom targeted. In fact, high maintenance cost would make the use of smart transformers inapplicable even if new services could justify higher initial cost and new semiconductor development could increase the overall efficiency. This work proposes a modular repairable system based on condition monitoring, which aims at equalizing the lifetime consumption of the single modules to make possible prognostic maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]