Considerations for design optimization of high-power medium-frequency transformers

There are numerous ways to tackle the design optimization problem of inductive devices, being it a transformer or an inductor. The problem is generally nonlinear, nonconvex, and comprises a mix of continuous and discrete variables which makes it rather a difficult task. The design optimization can be carried out considering many different objectives, such as efficiency, weight, volume, and cost, to name a few, and trade-offs between them must be accepted. The power density, expressed as the volumetric power density (Watts per liter) or the gravimetric power density (Watts per kilogram), is a popular figure of merit adopted in many works.