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Soft Magnetic Materials in High-Frequency, High-Power Conversion Applications

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Abstract

Advanced soft magnetic materials are needed to match high-power density and switching frequencies made possible by advances in wide band-gap semiconductors. Magnetics capable of operating at higher operating frequencies have the potential to greatly reduce the size of megawatt level power electronics. In this article, we examine the role of soft magnetic materials in high-frequency power applications and we discuss current material’s limitations and highlight emerging trends in soft magnetic material design for high-frequency and power applications using the materials paradigm of synthesis → structure → property → performance relationships.

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Acknowledgments

The work of A.M. Leary and M.E. McHenry was supported by ARPA-E Award Number DE-AR0000219 and the ARL through Grant No. W911NF-08-2-0024.

Disclaimer: This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Alex M. Leary & Michael E. McHenry

  2. Division of Chemistry and Surface Science, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15236, USA

    Paul R. Ohodnicki

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  1. Alex M. Leary
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Correspondence to Alex M. Leary.

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Leary, A.M., Ohodnicki, P.R. & McHenry, M.E. Soft Magnetic Materials in High-Frequency, High-Power Conversion Applications. JOM 64, 772–781 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-012-0350-0

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