Reducing power losses in power supply units

High-frequency power supply units are used in almost every electronic device such as television sets, computers and monitors. In conventional devices, three to six per cent of the power supplied is lost in coils and transformers.

The new BINE Projektinfo brochure “Increased efficiency for power supplies” (12/2013) presents optimised high frequency litz wires and windings with a higher degree of efficiency. Given the proliferation of electronic devices among consumers, every small advancement of any single device adds up to significant energy savings.

High frequency litz wires are used in many electronic devices. They consist of many thin, intertwined conductors that are electrically insulated by varnish. Stranded wires suffer the lowest possible power losses when the numerous strands form a large as possible total surface area and care is taken when intertwining that each wire strand occupies every cross-sectional position equally often. The researchers systematically studied the influence of diameter and number of strands, stranding direction and cross-section for different frequency ranges. With this data, high frequency litz wires can be optimised for specific areas of application.

The amount of electricity saved in Germany due to optimised litz wires depends on many factors and can be estimated only roughly. Researchers assume that annual electricity savings in Germany would amount to 5o million kWh. This is equivalent to the electricity demand of 12,500 four-person households. The research project was conducted by the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in cooperation with industry partners.

The BINE Projektinfo brochure, which can be obtained free of charge from the BINE Information Service at FIZ Karlsruhe, is available online at www.bine.info or by calling +49 (0)228 92379-0.

Press contact
Uwe Milles
presse(at)bine.info
About BINE Information Service
Energy research for practical applications
The BINE Information Service reports on energy research topics, such as new materials, systems and components, as well as innovative concepts and methods. The knowledge gained is incorporated into the implementation of new technologies in practice, because first-rate information provides a basis for pioneering decisions, whether in the planning of energy-optimised buildings, increasing the efficiency of industrial processes, or integrating renewable energy sources into existing systems.

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