Simulating piezoelectric transformers for lighting applications

Advanced piezoelectric transformer technology is being investigated for lighting applications. This technology is substituting magnetic transformers used in driver circuits for more traditional electronic converters to supply and ignite lighting discharge lamps. The use of piezoelectric technology reduces the size, volume and weight of the transformer. This reduces the whole circuit and enables the development of smaller equipment that could be used in a range of applications. These piezoelectric transformers were designed to have higher efficiencies, higher output power and increased power density. This paper considers 2 piezoelectric transformers of differing geometries; a 110mm long transformer and a 50mm long transformer. This paper deals with the analysis of these piezoelectric transformers based on three-dimensional finite element modelling (3D FE). Simulation techniques are applied to design optimum packaging solutions for the transformers and to assess piezoelectric performance for a range of operating conditions.