Electric Field Evaluation Using the Finite Element Method and Proxy Models for the Design of Stator Slots in a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

Stéfano Frizzo Stefenon,Ademir Nied,Pablo Henrique Sabino,Clodoaldo Schutel Furtado Neto,Valderi Reis Quietinho Leithardt,Felipe Garcia Da Luz,José Torreblanca González,Laio Oriel Seman,Darlan Mateus Seganfredo

doi:10.3390/electronics9111975

Abstract

The efficiency of electric motors is being improved every day and projects with design variations can improve their performance. Among electric motors, the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) is being increasingly used, because of its growing use in electric vehicles. Simulating design variations using the Finite Element Method (FEM) can improve PMSM design, and by optimizing the parameters based on the FEM, even better results can be achieved. The design of the PMSM stator slots must be evaluated, as conductors are accommodated and an electrical potential is applied at this location. The FEM parameters are varied, and the results can be used to build an approximate model, known as a proxy model. The proxy model can then be used in a mathematical programming problem to optimize the design of stators that have less electric field in certain regions, thus reducing the chance of developing a failure. The results of the proposed methodology show that its application is promising for machine design and can also be used for the design of other systems.

Highlights

Efficiency in electrical equipment has been improved over the years, and materials and methods that reduce energy consumption are increasingly being studied [1,2,3]
On the basis of the results presented to optimize the radius of the stator slot groove, a lower intensity electric field applied to a specific point of the machine is obtained
The Finite Element Method (FEM) application proved to be a promising technique for assessing the electrical potential distribution in the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM)

Summary

Introduction

Efficiency in electrical equipment has been improved over the years, and materials and methods that reduce energy consumption are increasingly being studied [1,2,3]. Designers need to develop robust products for greater durability and more efficiency [4]. To improve the performance evaluation of projects before developing prototypes, it is possible to use software that simulates the Electronics 2020, 9, 1975; doi:10.3390/electronics9111975 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics. Electronics 2020, 9, 1975 conditions that the equipment will be exposed to, such as mechanical or electrical stress [5].

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