Abstract
M.Ing.
The aim of this study was to investigate integrated power electronics, and more specifically, the design and manufacture of integrated power electronic components. After evaluating and optimising the flame spray process as a manufacturing technology for integrated power electronics, it was decided to integrate the partial series resonant converter (PSRC) as a case study. Both an integrated and discrete PSRC was built after a thorough investigation of the design of parasitic inductances as resonant components. Finally, the integrated PSRC was evaluated by comparing it to the conventionally manufactured discrete PSRC.
The evaluation results showed that the integrated PSRC compared favourably with the discrete PSRC, and also takes up a smaller packaging volume, mainly because of the planar shape of the integrated magnetic cores and windings. However, if efficiency is used as a measuring rod, it is clear that the technology of integrated power electronics cannot yet compete against the conventional technology of discrete power electronics, mainly because of materials as well as manufacturing problems. As soon as the manufacturing technologies and materials used for integrated power electronics become competitive with respect to conventional manufacturing technologies and materials used for discrete power electronics, integrated power electronics will become economically viable.