DB-05 Metrology for Steel Laminations and Power Electronics Magnetic Cores: Loss Measurement Techniques and Uncertainties from DC to the Microwave Regime
Creators: M. Pasquale
C. Beatrice
E. Ferrara
N. Banu
F. Fiorillo
C. Ragusa and L. Solimene
Publisher: name: IEEE
Year: 2025

Magnetic laminations and cores for power electronics play a crucial role in modern energy conversion systems, enabling efficient and reliable power transfer. Accurate measurements of the magnetic properties and losses in these laminations and cores is essential for optimal design and performance of electrical machines and power electronics devices. This work provides an overview of the available international measurement standards, as well as examples of hysteresis loops and power loss figures obtained by broadband measurements on steel laminations, ferrite, nanocrystalline, and amorphous magnetic cores, encompassing different experimental setups and methods. The measurement techniques discussed in this presentation allow for dynamic B-H measurement at different induction levels up to the 10 kHz range in steel laminations, and up to the MHz range in cores, where permeability evaluation is also possible up to the GHz range. The energy losses are analysed by the loss separation method, considering the eddy current and spin damping dissipation mechanism, besides the magnetic flux penetration issues. They are posed in direct relationship with the real and imaginary permeability components, by discriminating between domain wall and rotational contributions. Available measurement standards are discussed, and the analysis of the measurement uncertainties is provided. Calibration procedures to assess and reduce the uncertainties arising from circuitry, instrument resolution, temperature, and environmental effects are considered. Since the DC-MHz frequency range is particularly relevant for power electronics, the power loss measurement techniques here discussed, and the related uncertainties specifically address the challenges associated with this frequency range. Through their comprehension, engineers and researchers involved in the design and optimization of power electronics devices can make well-informed decisions. The insights provided in this presentation may directly contribute to the reduction of uncertainties in power electronics measurements, facilitating the development of more efficient and reliable energy conversion systems.References: 1. Stuart Harmon, M. Pasquale et al “Comparisons of total power loss measurements performed on ring samples from 10 kHz to 1 MHz at room temperature”. HEFMAG Report 2023 DOI 10.5281/zenodo.8304981 2. O. de la Barrière, E. Ferrara, A. Magni, A. Sola, C. Ragusa, C. Appino, and F. Fiorillo Skin Effect and Losses in Soft Magnetic Sheets: From Low Inductions to Magnetic Saturation IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS, VOL. 59, NO. 11, NOVEMBER 2023 6301211 3. S Dobák, C Beatrice, V Tsakaloudi, F Fiorillo - Magnetic losses in soft ferrites Magnetochemistry, 2022 4. N Banu, E Ferrara, M Pasquale, F Fiorillo, O De la Barrière, D Brunt Temperature and frequency dependence of magnetic losses in Fe-Co IEEE Access 2023
Magnetic laminations and cores for power electronics play a crucial role in modern energy conversion systems, enabling efficient and reliable power transfer. Accurate measurements of the magnetic properties and losses in these laminations and cores is essential for optimal design and performance of electrical machines and power electronics devices. This work provides an overview of the available international measurement standards, as well as examples of hysteresis loops and power loss figures obtained by broadband measurements on steel laminations, ferrite, nanocrystalline, and amorphous magnetic cores, encompassing different experimental setups and methods. The measurement techniques discussed in this presentation allow for dynamic B-H measurement at different induction levels up to the 10 kHz range in steel laminations, and up to the MHz range in cores, where permeability evaluation is also possible up to the GHz range. The energy losses are analysed by the loss separation method, considering the eddy current and spin damping dissipation mechanism, besides the magnetic flux penetration issues. They are posed in direct relationship with the real and imaginary permeability components, by discriminating between domain wall and rotational contributions. Available measurement standards are discussed, and the analysis of the measurement uncertainties is provided. Calibration procedures to assess and reduce the uncertainties arising from circuitry, instrument resolution, temperature, and environmental effects are considered. Since the DC-MHz frequency range is particularly relevant for power electronics, the power loss measurement techniques here discussed, and the related uncertainties specifically address the challenges associated with this frequency range. Through their comprehension, engineers and researchers involved in the design and optimization of power electronics devices can make well-informed decisions. The insights provided in this presentation may directly contribute to the reduction of uncertainties in power electronics measurements, facilitating the development of more efficient and reliable energy conversion systems.References: 1. Stuart Harmon, M. Pasquale et al “Comparisons of total power loss measurements performed on ring samples from 10 kHz to 1 MHz at room temperature”. HEFMAG Report 2023 DOI 10.5281/zenodo.8304981 2. O. de la Barrière, E. Ferrara, A. Magni, A. Sola, C. Ragusa, C. Appino, and F. Fiorillo Skin Effect and Losses in Soft Magnetic Sheets: From Low Inductions to Magnetic Saturation IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS, VOL. 59, NO. 11, NOVEMBER 2023 6301211 3. S Dobák, C Beatrice, V Tsakaloudi, F Fiorillo - Magnetic losses in soft ferrites Magnetochemistry, 2022 4. N Banu, E Ferrara, M Pasquale, F Fiorillo, O De la Barrière, D Brunt Temperature and frequency dependence of magnetic losses in Fe-Co IEEE Access 2023