Space Harmonics Effects on Performances of Linear Induction Motors: Modelization and Characterization

Abstract

This article presents the impact analysis of space harmonics’ presence on a single-sided three-phase linear induction motor, along with a comprehensive parametric investigation. The presence of space harmonics often reduces the linear induction motor’s performance. The electromagnetic phenomena are governed by Maxwell’s equations. The chosen mathematical model uses a 2D formulation with magnetic vector potential. The model implementation is performed using the finite element method on the free Gmsh-GetDP platform. The electromagnetic thrust is calculated in the current excitation case using two numerical models of the finite element method with and without term-generating space harmonics in order to highlight their effect. The adaptation to voltage supply operation is obtained via equivalent electric circuits through the calculation of the operational impedance. The choice of the machine’s parameters by the designer in order to enhance its performance or reduce energy consumption is a difficult task. The analysis and the determination of the dependence of the parameters and the performance are necessary. The main objectives of this study are to determine this dependency and to analyze the space harmonic impact of the linear induction motor’s parameters on its performances. A comparative exploration of space harmonics’ presence using two numerical models (single and multiharmonics) and an assessment of the parametric effect of space harmonics’ presence on various machine characteristics such as thrust, efficiency, and power factor have been carried out. The motor’s characteristics (i.e., thrust, efficiency, and power factor) strongly depend on parameters such as the pole pair number and conductivity. Improving the operation and maximizing the performance of such a machine for a given specification requires the use of optimization algorithms. Motor characteristics (thrust, efficiency, and power factor) are highly dependent on parameters such as the number of pole pairs and conductivity.