Comparison of three measuring systems at high frequency for non oriented silicon steels: influence of the rolling direction on magnetic losses and B(H) curve

Abstract

Loss data available in literature on laminated magnetic materials excited by alternating induction are often limited to rather low frequencies, (e.g., below 1 kHz). This is far below the frequencies experienced by materials used in high speed electrical machines. In this work, an appropriate measurement setup is used to evaluate losses in 0.35 mm thick iron silicon NO lamination up to an alternating peak induction of 1 T at a frequency of 10 kHz. In these conditions the capacitive effects are relevant on the B-coil and the H-coil when standard Epstein frame is used and might affect the measurements. A method to avoid this problem is proposed, based on a comparison between three characterization systems: a new single sheet tester that we use as a reference system, a conventional Epstein frame with 700 turns and a second Epstein frame with 200 turns dedicated to high-frequency. In the first part of the study we present an assessment of the limits of each system. An empirical correction factor is introduced to obtain the true loss value from measurement using the Epstein frame (700 turns from DC to 400 Hz and 200 turns from 400 Hz to 10 kHz). Finally, a comparison between two non-oriented FeSi of different quality and different thicknesses (0.35 mm and 0.2 mm) is presented in a wide range of frequencies (from DC to 10 kHz). Based on the loss separation theory, the skin effect on the two samples has been highlighted.