Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Core and Magnet Loss Modeling in a Radial Flux and a Transverse Flux PM Traction Motor

Abstract

Analytical estimations and verified simulation models both in two dimension (2-D) and three dimension (3-D) are used to compare loss calculations of a radial flux machine (RFM) and a transverse flux machine (TFM) for a traction application. The analysis highlights the importance of a dense mesh and a high number of time steps when calculating core and magnet loss with an finite element method (FEM) program. It also shows the practical handling of loss modeling in 2-D and 3-D, including a stacking factor for the core lamination and magnet segmentation, and it is recommended that one is careful when comparing losses from 2-D and 3-D models. The TFM is shown to have much higher magnet loss compared with the RFM, although the TFM magnet design (with ring magnets) makes segmentation very effective.