title: Tutorial 903: Inductor Saturation¶

Tutorial 903: Inductor Saturation¶

Overview¶

Model and simulate inductor saturation effects in power converters. Understand how saturation impacts converter operation and learn design techniques to avoid or utilize saturation.

Level: Advanced (3/3)

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Series: Magnetics & Mechanical

Status: Placeholder - Circuit files to be added

Learning Objectives¶

• Model non-linear inductance L(i)
• Simulate saturation effects on converter waveforms
• Design inductors with appropriate saturation margins
• Understand saturable reactor applications

Saturation Theory¶

B-H Curve¶

    B (Tesla)
        │      ╱────── Bsat
        │     ╱
        │    ╱  Linear region
        │   ╱   (μ = constant)
        │  ╱
    ────┼─╱──────────── H (A/m)
        │╱
        │    Saturation region
              (μ → μ0)

Inductance vs Current¶

    L
    │ L0 ────┐
    │        │
    │        └───────┐
    │                └────── L_sat ≈ L0 × (μ0/μr)
    └──────────────────────── I
              Isat

Non-Linear Inductor Model¶

Arctangent Model¶

L(i) = L0 × [1 - tanh²(i/Isat)]

Piecewise Linear¶

L = L0           for |i| < Isat
L = L0/100       for |i| ≥ Isat

Impact on Converters¶

Exercises¶

Exercise 1: Linear vs Saturating¶

1. Compare buck with linear L vs saturating L
2. Apply 120% rated load
3. Observe current waveform differences

Exercise 2: Saturable Reactor¶

1. Model magnetically controlled inductor
2. Vary DC bias current
3. Observe variable AC impedance

Circuit Files¶

Status: Placeholder - inductor_linear.ipes - inductor_saturating.ipes - saturable_reactor.ipes

Tutorial Version: 1.0 (Placeholder)