Description:
Reference #: 1764
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for Self-Cooling Multiferroic Magnetic Material for Power Conversion.
Background:
Power electronic converters contain magnetic components which are large portions (>30%) of the volume and weight of the converter. Higher frequencies for power converters can reduce the overall size, but the magnetic components in the MHz range are limited and have poorer outcomes than at lower frequencies. However, semiconductor research is developing Ultra-Wide Bandgap devices which can switch at much higher frequencies than used today. This magnetic material would complement the new semiconductors for a wide range of applications in the power field.
Invention Description:
This invention details a multiferroic magnetic material to replace current commercial over-the-counter magnetic materials, especially for use in power electronics at or above 1 MHz. A multiferroic material can exhibit more than one primary ferroic property in the same phase. Therefore, the multiferroic component will use the induced electromagnetic fields of the device to transfer electromagnetic energy while simultaneously transferring heat to a thermal sink. This strategic design and use of inherent fields within the magnetic structure will enable high saturation flux density while removing internally generated heat.
Potential Applications:
This innovation has potential applications in the energy market, especially for power grids, aerospace technologies, and electric transportation. Any isolated grid used in an industry may be able to benefit from this invention.
Advantages and Benefits:
This invention reduces weight and volume of power converters and would be great for weight/volume constrained power grids.