Finite-Element Simulation of the Temperature Distribution in a Piezoelectric Transformer

摘要

In this work, we develop a 3-D FEM solver, NTUPZE-T, for analyzing piezoelectric transformers. This solver is capable of estimating the device thermal effects. In order to estimate the device temperature distribution, we calculate the dissipation of energy based on the internal damping effects. The dissipated energy is considered as the heat source of the heat transfer equation for calculating the temperature distribution of a device. Then the voltage gains, phase difference, efficiencies, as well as the temperature distribution of the device at difference frequencies and loadings can be obtained. The solver employs 20-node brick-element formulation for discretization. Using the solver, we analyzed a Rosen-modal-type piezoelectric transformer. The simulated results of voltage gains, efficiencies, resonant frequencies, and temperature increase of the device were also verified with the measured results.