Modeling and Investigation of Multilayer Piezoelectric Transformer with a Central Hole for Heat Dissipation

A multilayer square-type piezoelectric transformer with a hole at the center was investigated in this paper. Temperature distribution at the center was improved by using this construction, therefore increasing input voltage and output power. This model was simulated and investigated successfully by applying a finite element method (FEM) in ATILA software. An optimized structure was then fabricated, examined, and compared to the simulation results. Electrical characteristics, including output voltage and output power, were measured at different load resistances. The temperature distribution was also monitored using an infrared camera. The piezoelectric transformer operated at first radial vibration mode and a frequency area of 70 kHz. The 16 W output power was achieved in a three-layer transformer with 96% efficiency and $20^{\circ}C$ temperature rise from room temperature under 115 V driving voltage, 100 ${\Omega}$ matching load, $28{\times}28{\times}1.8mm$ size, and 2 mm hole diameter. With these square-type multilayer piezoelectric transformers, the temperature was concentrated around the hole and lower than in piezoelectric transformers without a hole.