Numerical methods and measurement systems for nonlinear magnetic circuits (abstract)

Abstract

In the past years an increasing interest in calculation methods of circuits containing magnetic nonlinearities could be observed. For this reason a new method was developed which makes it possible to calculate the steady state solution of such circuits by the help of an interactive cad program. The modular concept of the software allows to separate the circuit into nonlinear and linear subnetworks. When regarding nonlinear magnetic elements one can choose between several numerical models for the description of the hysteresis loops or an inbuilt realtime measurement system can be activated to get the dynamic hysteresis loops. The measurement system is also helpful for the parameter extraction for the numerical hysteresis models. A modified harmonic-balance algorithm and a set of iteration schemes is used for solving the network function. The combination of the realtime measurement system and modern numerical methods brings up a productive total concept for the exact calculation of nonlinear magnetic circuits. A special application class will be discussed which is given by earth-leakage circuit breakers. These networks contain a toroidal high permeable NiFe alloy and a relay as nonlinear elements (cells) and some resistors, inductors, and capacitors as linear elements. As input dc signals at the primary winding of the core any curveform must be regarded, especially 135° phasecutted pulses. These signals with extreme higher frequency components make it impossible to use numerical models for the description of the nonlinear behavior of the core and the relays. So for both elements the realtime measurement system must be used during the iteration process. During each iteration step the actual magnetization current is sent to the measurement system, which measures the dynamic hysteresis loop at the probe. These values flow back into the iteration process. A graphic subsystem allows a look at the waveforms of all voltages and current when the iterations take place. One can determine how the steady state is reached, especially when one discusses different iteration methods. All parameters of interest, such as geometric data of the core, number of windings, and the linear elements can vary within the computer program and as a result all voltages and currents in the network stand can be used. With the help of this computer controlled measurement system and several iteration methods fast circuit design and optimization can be done.