Inductor Loss Analysis of Various Materials in Interleaved Boost Converters

High power density DC/DC converters have gained attention in automotive applications for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. Inductors often appear as the largest component in DC/DC converters. DC/DC converters using a coupled inductor are well-known as one of the topologies which can achieve miniaturization of a magnetic component. Temperature of an inductor tends to be higher in high power density DC/DC converters. Thus, an optimal magnetic property selection is necessary for magnetic designs. In this paper, we have analyzed the relationship between inductor losses that affects the heat and inductor volume as the previous stage of the thermal analysis in the inductor. In addition, this paper presents analytical comparisons of various magnetic materials used in practical designs. This study is focused on interleaved boost converter of integrated winding coupled inductors, loose-coupled inductors and non-coupled inductors. The study is discussed from the view point of inductor losses and inductor volume.