Finite element modeling of a transformer feeding a rectified load: the coupled power electronics and nonlinear magnetic field problem

A novel method which uses zero-dimensional finite elements to directly analyze the coupled problem of switching power electronics and nonlinear magnetic devices is presented. Zero-dimensional finite elements are used to help directly incorporate models of nonlinear power electronic switching devices into nonlinear transient magnetic finite element analysis. A brief summary of the formulations used in the finite element program MSC/EMAS is presented. The proposed method was used in a nonlinear transient analysis of two systems. In the first example, the method was used to predict the performance of a buck regulator circuit. In the second example, the coupled power electronics and nonlinear magnetic field problem was considered through the analysis of a transformer feeding a rectified load