Maxwell Software Research Articles

Study and Simulation of Switched Reluctance Motor Drive Circuit for EV Application

In recent years, an increase in emissions and a decrease in fossil fuels cause environmental pollution and its main air pollution, so we must restore the emissions of vehicles, and this can be achieved with the help of electric propulsion. An electric vehicle is a vehicle powered by an electric motor and powered by a rechargeable battery that can be charged with electricity. It also promotes the use of renewable energy. A rare earth magnet is a primary requirement for most engines. China is the supplier of more than 90% of rare earth magnets in the world and its price is high due to the scarcity of this magnet. So, we need to reduce the use of magnets and this can be achieved by using SRM motors in electric cars due to their reliable structure, high speed, fault tolerance and magnet less design. The main disadvantages of SRM are torque ripple, low power density, low power factor and small extended speed range. To solve this problem, we use an asymmetric bridge converter topology for a 0.5 kW, 2000 rpm, 8/6 SRM drive. Thus, the analysis and problem of Switched Reluctance Motor and the use of power transformers to minimize torque ripple were identified using Ansys Maxwell software (RMxprt tool).

Numerical Analysis of the Vehicle Damping Performance of a Magnetorheological Damper with an Additional Flow Energy Path

Vehicles experience various frequency excitations from road surfaces. Recent research has focused on active dampers that adapt their damping forces according to these conditions. However, traditional magnetorheological (MR) dampers face a “block-up phenomenon” that limits their effectiveness. To address this, additional flow-type MR dampers have been proposed, although revised designs are required to accommodate changes in damping force characteristics. This study investigates the damping performance of MR dampers with an additional flow path to enhance the vehicle ride quality. An optimization model was developed based on fluid dynamics equations and analyzed using electromagnetic simulations in ANSYS Maxwell software. Vibration analysis was conducted using AMESim by applying a sinusoidal road surface model with various frequencies. Results show that the optimized diameter of the additional flow path obtained from the analysis was 1.1 mm, and it was shown that the total damping force variation at low piston velocities decreased by approximately 56% compared to conventional MR dampers. Additionally, vibration analysis of the MR damper with the optimized additional flow path diameter revealed that at 30 km/h, 37.9% acceleration control was achievable, at 60 km/h, 18.7%, and at 90 km/h, 7.73%. This demonstrated the resolution of the block-up phenomenon through the additional flow path and confirmed that the vehicle with the applied damper could control a wider range of vehicle upper displacement, velocity, and acceleration compared to conventional vehicles.

Unraveling Magnet Structural Defects in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines—Harmonic Diagnosis and Performance Signatures

Rare-earth-based permanent magnets (PMs) have a vital role in numerous sustainable energy systems, such as electrical machines (EMs). However, their production can greatly harm the environment and their supply chain monopoly presents economic threats. Alternative materials are emerging, but the use of rare-earth PMs remains dominant due to their exceptional performance. Damage to magnet structure can cause loss of performance and efficiency, and propagation of cracks in PMs can result in breaking. In this context, prolonging the service life of PMs and ensuring that they remain damage-free and suitable for re-use is important both for sustainability reasons and cost management. This paper presents a new harmonic content diagnosis and motor performance analysis caused by various magnet structure defects or faults, such as cracked or broken magnets. The proposed method is used for modeling the successive physical failure of the magnet structure in the form of crack formation, crack growth, and magnet breakage. A surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is studied using simulation in Ansys Maxwell software (Version 2023), and different cracks and PM faults are modeled using the two-dimensional finite element method (FEM). The frequency domain simulation results demonstrate the influence of magnet cracks and their propagation on EM performance measures, such as stator current, distribution of magnetic flux density, back EMF, flux linkage, losses, and efficiency. The results show strong potential for application in health monitoring systems, which could be used to reduce the occurrence of in-service failures, thus reducing the usage of rare-earth magnet materials as well as cost.

Influence of the quality of electrical energy on the operation of the main elements of electric arc plasma systems for thermochemical fuel preparation

The work is devoted to the study of the influence of the quality of electrical energy on the service life of electrodes of plasma thermochemical fuel treatment systems used in thermal power plants running on coal fuel. The issues of moving the near-electrode plasma section using magnetic wave scanning are discussed in detail. The ANSYS Maxwell software was used as the main research tool. The computer simulation was performed with the following main experimental parameters: the coefficient of asymmetry in the zero sequence (K0U) is 2% and 4%; the coefficient of asymmetry in the negative sequence (K2U) is 2% and 4%; the voltage deviation dU(+) is 5% and 10%; the materials used for manufacturing electrodes: copper (Cu), a pseudo-alloy of tungsten, nickel and copper – (W + Ni + Cu), a pseudo-alloy of molybdenum, tungsten and copper – (Mo + W+ Cu). Based on the obtained simulation results, graphical representations of changes in the trajectories of the near-electrode plasma section under various distorting factors, dependences of changes in the values of specific erosion of various electrode materials, graphical dependences of changes in the service life of electrodes of plasma systems are constructed. The studies performed using computer modeling based on the ANSYS Maxwell software product made it possible to quantify the effect of voltage distortions on the trajectory of the near-electrode plasma section and, consequently, the service life of the plasmatron electrodes. In particular, in the course of the study, a detailed assessment and analysis of the degree of influence of the following indicators of electrical energy quality was performed: the coefficients of asymmetry in the negative and zero sequence, voltage deviations on the operation and technical condition of the electrodes of plasma systems. The results of the study were discussed, and recommendations were formulated for the use of plasma thermochemical fuel preparation systems used at thermal power plants to ignite the fuel of pulverized coal boilers.

The effect of electric field uniformity on electrospun jet evolution and fiber morphology

Electric field distribution has a considerable impact on jet motion and resultant fibers’ diameter and morphology in electrospinning process. This study aims to explore the effect of electric field uniformity on jet evolution and fiber morphology by using auxiliary electrodes. Four disc auxiliary electrodes with different external diameters were designed. A high-speed photography equipment was employed to capture the jet motion. The morphology the fibers obtained from different locations of the jet were observed by the SEM to investigate jets evolution under different electric fields. The three-dimensional electric field were calculated by the ANSYS Maxwell software to simulate and quantify the electric field distribution throughout the electrospinning process. The results show that the larger diameter of the auxiliary electrode creates more uniform electric field distribution, smaller jet straight lengths, larger whipping amplitude, and lower the jet velocity. These factors result in finer and more uniform fibers. It was found that the morphology of fiber surface, beads shape and size also influenced by the uniformity of electric field distribution. This research indicates that a controllable uniform electric field was essential in preparing high-performance fibers.

Research on the impact of train speed on the uplink performance of balise transmission system

Abstract In the CTCS system, the balise plays an important role in supporting the normal operation of trains. Based on this, this article studies the performance of the uplink of the balise transmission system under different speed conditions from three perspectives: theory, simulation, and measurement. Based on an in-depth analysis of the energy and data transmission process between the vehicle antenna and the ground balise, relevant electromagnetic theoretical models such as the input and output characteristics of the balise and the antenna magnetic field distribution are established. An electromagnetic field model of the balise transmission system is established using Maxwell software, and the simulation results are obtained. An experimental environment is built using responder products and the simulation results are analyzed. Methods are explored to improve the adaptability of responder transmission systems under high-speed operating conditions.

Investigation of a newly developed shear built-in valve type MR damper with high damping: Theories and experiments

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers are widely used as semi-active energy-dissipation devices in structural vibration control. Traditional MR dampers, particularly their working mode, often struggle to achieve a high damping force output and sometimes fail to meet the needs of practical engineering. Therefore, it is necessary to study MR dampers that can provide a high damping force. This study proposes an MR damper that combines a built-in shear valve with various working modes of shear extrusion. The damper generates a higher damping force by applying a current to the coils at different positions and altering its working mode. First, the ANSYS Maxwell software simulates the internal magnetic circuit of the damper to assess whether the magnetic field intensity distribution and circuit direction meet the design requirements. Analysis revealed that the internal magnetic circuit distribution was reasonable and satisfied the operating requirements of the damper. Furthermore, the mechanical models of the two working modes were derived based on the Bingham and double-viscous models. Finally, the accuracies of the mechanical models were verified experimentally. The experimental results showed that the simulation values closely matched the experimental values under all the working conditions. Therefore, the proposed mechanical models are reasonable, and can provide significant reference values for practical engineering applications.

Investigation of the influence of the number of poles on the external characteristic of a brushless DC machine in the generator mode

The article presents the results of a study on the generator mode of operation of a brushless DC machine (BLDC) when operating under active load. For analysis, two models were created with the number of permanent magnets on the rotor differing by a factor of two. The relevance of the research is due to the wide range of applications of BLDC in various fields. One of the key advantages of BLDC is the absence of a brush-commutator unit, which is replaced by a controller with semiconductor elements. This increases the reliability of BLDC and expands the range of operating modes. The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of the number of permanent magnets on the external characteristic of BLDC in generator mode. To achieve this goal, computer modeling was performed using ANSYS Maxwell software. This software is designed to study and calculate the magnetic field pattern using the finite element method in electromechanical devices, providing accurate results for analysis. For each BLDC model, the degree of saturation of the magnetic system elements was determined, and graphs of voltage, current, and braking torque at the generator shaft over time were obtained. Analysis of the calculation results for BLDC models with 46 and 92 permanent magnets demonstrated an impact on the voltage and current waveforms, leading to some slight distortion of their shape. The obtained calculation results allowed determining the efficiency and constructing the external characteristic for both BLDC models. Higher efficiency was obtained for the BLDC model with 92 permanent magnets on the rotor. The external characteristic for the generator mode of BLDC operation demonstrated a change in voltage when transitioning from idle to nominal current operation within the range of 15% and 21%, indicating the stiffness of the characteristic. The conclusions of the study indicate the potential for improving the efficiency of BLDC through optimization of the magnetic system design and cooling conditions, and can be useful for engineers and developers of electromechanical systems aiming to improve the performance of their products.

Analytical modelling of the linear transverse flux permanent magnet motor using magnetic equivalent circuit method

AbstractThe authors propose an analytical modelling approach for the linear transverse flux permanent magnet motor using the magnetic equivalent circuit method. The main focus of this study is to predict the phase flux‐linkage characteristic of the motor. Essential equations required for implementation of the model and how to solve it are described clearly so that someone can use it easily. A typical motor is selected to apply the proposed model and simulation results, including static characteristics of flux‐linkage and thrust, are presented. To validate the developed analytical model, the discussed motor is also analysed with 3D finite element method using MAXWELL software and the obtained simulation results are compared to each other.

Application of saturated core transformer as inrush current limiter

An inrush current is a transient current that results from a sudden change in the exciting voltage across a transformer's windings. Reducing the inrush current of transformers is desirable due to mechanical stresses and negligent operation of protective relay systems such as differential relays. This paper investigates the application of a saturated-core transformer as an inrush current limiter (ICL). Analytical methods of inrush current and its electromagnetic forces on transformer windings with and without application of proposed ICL are presented. Also, the core saturation of the ICL and transformer, in addition to the voltage drop on the ICL in transient and steady states, are investigated. A single-phase transformer is modeled in two dimensions (2-D), and the forces due to inrush current are calculated by the finite element method (FEM) in Maxwell software. The radial and axial force distributions of transformer windings with and without the ICL are investigated. The results show the capability of ICL to limit the transformer inrush current and reduction of its electromagnetic forces. Our simulations demonstrate a significant reduction in inrush current (75 %) using the proposed Inrush Current Limiter (ICL). Additionally, the ICL effectively mitigates electromagnetic forces within the transformer. Compared to a scenario without ICL, the ICL reduces radial forces by 80 % and axial forces by a substantial 90 %. These findings suggest that the ICL offers a promising solution for mitigating both inrush current and the associated electromagnetic forces in power transformers.

DC bias impact analysis on the capability of power transformer and failure risks

A significant transition towards low-carbon, renewable energy sources and technological adaptation is mandatory in the present scenario to address climate change and achieve a sustainable energy system. Aligned with the upgradation in technology, as the need for efficient and smart energy grows, power electronics are being extensively used in power systems. Various factors can affect the pervasive use of power electronics associated with power transformers, thereby introducing the DC bias in the system. DC bias in the transformer leads to a shift in operating point, a rise in excitation current and a generation of harmonics. This causes an increase in core losses and temperature, resulting in exceeding the thermal limits and leading to transformer failure. Consequently, there is an emergency need to understand the DC bias capability of power transformers that aims at optimal transformer selection without being overrated. This research employs Ansys maxwell software to model and simulate a 500 kVA, 11kV/420V three-phase power transformer. The experimental investigation is carried out through a scale-down value of a 5 kVA laboratory prototype. The research findings revealed a significant negative impact of DC bias on power transformer capabilities that could be detrimental to its performance, health and lifespan. The analysis results provide valuable insights for the design engineer during the initial stages of designing a high-performance, cost-effective transformer with a low failure rate.

Modeling and analysis of magnetic resonance wireless transmission coil

Wireless transmission technology is a new type of power transmission technology with electric and magnetic fields as the medium. It has more advantages in transmission direction, transmission characteristics, security, and penetration. The model of a magnetically coupled resonant radio energy transmission system is designed. The main parameters such as resonance frequency and mutual inductance are considered comprehensively. The model is designed using the equivalent topological circuit structure of mutual inductance coupling. The equivalent parameters in the circuit topology can be affected by setting the size of the coil, the distance between the coils, the excitation size, and the high frequency. The structure parameters of the whole system are modeled and calculated by the Ansoft Maxwell software. At the same time, the influence on the power and efficiency of wireless power transmission is explored by several factors such as the coil diameter, the distance between the transmitting end and the receiving end, and the resonance frequency of the system, so as to achieve the purpose of verifying the technical characteristics of wireless power transmission. The key factors that may affect the transmission efficiency and power of the system are analyzed in detail by deriving the calculation model of transmission efficiency and power.

Разработка и исследование имитационной модели мультикамерного разрядника для грозозащитного троса

Optical fiber overhead ground wire (OPGW) is an effective solution for laying mainline digital communications along high-voltage power lines. It allows you to use the existing infrastructure of the power grid and ensure the transfer of a large amount of data. The flow of lightning currents and short-circuit currents can cause a violation of the thermal resistance of the fiber and a deterioration of its performance. When the OPGW is insulated through an insulator shunted by a spark gap, during operation it is possible to change the distance in the discharge gap due to the displacement of the electrodes in the plane. Also, when the short circuit location is close, multiple overlaps will occur and as a result, short circuit current will flow through the OPGW. Thus, the article considers the possibility to use a device with a multielectrode system developed on the principle of a multichamber spark gap as a replacement of the spark gap to increase the reliability of the unit with an isolated OPGW suspension. Modeling of the device has been carried out in the ANSYS Maxwell software package, the mathematical apparatus of which is based on the use of Maxwell's differential equations and the finite element method, which allows performing numerical modeling with sufficiently high accuracy. A simulation model of a multichamber spark gap has been developed in the ANSYS Maxwell software package and calculations of electrical characteristics have been performed. For the electrode system of a multi-chamber arrester, an uneven distribution of the applied voltage across the spark discharge gaps of the chambers is determined. It is shown that when a voltage is applied to a spark gap, the highest electric field strength occurs between the first and second electrodes, and then a cascade of discharge gaps occurs, which provides the required low discharge voltages of the spark gap as a whole. The developed simplified simulation model of a multi-chamber arrester has shown all the necessary conditions for cascade imaging of the voltage distribution and the electric-field strength of various electrode options. Based on the research conducted electrodes geometry is identified for smart prototype development and ongoing multi-chamber arrester research.

One-way thermomagnetic simulation of magnetic coupling in natural gas pressure energy utilization

ABSTRACT Magnetic coupling is an approach employed to prevent gas leakage by transforming the dynamic seal into a non-contact static seal for the recovery of natural gas pressure energy. The impact of thermal demagnetization necessitates the consideration of the heat dissipation characteristics resulting from eddy current losses in the rotating magnetic field. We performed a numerical study of thermal-magnetic coupling in a magnetic transmission validated by experimental results. The Maxwell software was utilized to simulate the distribution characteristics of induced current, while the Fluent software was employed to analyze the dissipation of heat caused by eddy currents. The obtained simulation results reveal a proportional increase in induced current and eddy current losses with the rotation speed. Also, the eddy current losses increase together with the thickness of the isolation cover, since more volume of the conducting media is affected by the eddy currents. Furthermore, reducing the electrical conductivities of the isolation cover and enhancing the internal flow rates can effectively decrease the temperature of the magnetic coupling and mitigate thermal demagnetization. These research findings offer valuable insights for the design and optimization of non-contact transmission methods, ultimately enhancing the safety of natural gas top-pressure energy recovery equipment.

Effect of stator winding chording on the performance of five phase synchronous reluctance motor

The effect of winding chording on five-phase synchronous reluctance motor (SRM) modelled in phase variables is presented. The stator winding configuration is shifted a pole pitch from a full-pitch configuration to a 54 degrees over-full-pitched configuration incorporating the effect of 3rd harmonic of the air-gap magneto-motive force in the inductance equations. The models are monitored on starting, synchronism, loading, faults and loss of synchronism. These are considered simultaneously with vector potential, rotor speed, air-gap flux linkage and winding current. The phase variable (analytical) models have been simulated by using MATLAB/Simulink software while ANSYS Maxwell software has been used to simulate the finite element model (FEM) of the motor for corresponding chording ranges for comparison on direct online starting (DOL). Under all conditions considered in the work, the detailed results are presented and very close similarity is observed between the analytical and the nearly ideal FEM model for all chording ranges and the similarity is enhanced with increase in chording angle.

Magnetic Design and Electromagnetic Field Simulation of Downhole Turbine Generator

With the increasing difficulty of oil and gas resources exploration and the increase of drilling operations in complex geological environments, the challenges faced by oil drilling operations are also increasing. With the continuous improvement of the intelligence of MWD/LWD drilling technology and downhole instruments, the demand for electric energy is also increasing. In order to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and the accurate acquisition of data, this paper designs a new type of external rotor downhole turbine generator, and designs the structure and parameters of the turbine generator. Finally, Ansoft Maxwell software is used to simulate and analyze the electromagnetic field of the generator. The results show that the induced electromotive force and load current waveform obtained by electromagnetic field simulation analysis have good sinusoidality. At the rated speed of 2500rpm, the effective value of the output line voltage of the turbine generator is about 49.1V, the effective value of the line current is about 10.99A, and the output power is about 841.17W, which meets the design requirements. The research has certain guiding significance for practical engineering.

Enhancing electric vehicle charging performance through series-series topology resonance-coupled wireless power transfer.

The current electric vehicles (EVs) market is experiencing significant expansion, underscoring the need to address challenges associated with the limited driving range of EVs. A primary focus in this context is the improvement of the wireless charging process. To contribute to this research area, this study introduces a circular spiral coil design that incorporates transceiver coils. First, an in-depth analysis is conducted using Ansys Maxwell software to assess the effectiveness of the proposed solution through the magnetic field distribution, inductance properties, and mutual inductance between receiver and transmitter coils. In the next step, a direct shielding technique is applied, integrating a ferrite core bar to reduce power leakage and enhance power transmission efficiency. The ferrite magnetic shielding guides magnetic field lines, resulting in a significant reduction in flux leakage and improved power transmission. Lastly, a magnetic resonance series (SS) compensation wireless system is developed to achieve high coupling efficiency and superior performance. The system's effectiveness is evaluated through co-simulation using Ansys Simplorer software. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed solution, showing its ability to transmit 3.6 kilowatts with a success rate approaching 99%. This contribution significantly advances the development of wireless charging systems for electric vehicles, addressing concerns and promoting global adoption.

A Novel Design and Evaluation of a Five-phase Hybrid Excitation Partitioned Stator Flux-switching Machine

Background: In response to the need for improved performance in electric machines, this paper introduces and evaluates a novel hybrid excitation partitioned stator flux-switching (HEPSFS) machine. This design optimizes output torque while considering power density, torque density, and overall efficiency. Objective: The primary objective is to enhance electromagnetic torque production by minimizing flux leakage to the inner-stator core by creating an auxiliary air-gap in the inner-stator tooth. Additionally, a partitioned stator design is adopted to accommodate armature and field windings without space conflicts, allowing for increased windings and permanent magnets (PMs) to maximize torque density and flux regulation capability. Method: A comparative analysis is performed with a conventional HEPSFS (CHEPSFS) machine to evaluate the proposed design. Both machines share the same design dimensions and winding configuration to ensure a fair assessment. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations using ANSYS Maxwell software are conducted to validate the results. Result: The analysis reveals that the proposed HEPSFS (PHEPSFS) machine outperforms the conventional counterpart. It exhibits higher torque output, torque density, power density, and efficiency while minimizing torque ripple. Moreover, at a current angle of 0 degrees, the PHEPSFS machine shows substantial percentage improvements compared to the CHEPSFS machine: a 285% increase in torque output, a 281.39% rise in power density, a 283.82% enhancement in torque density, and a 9.14% boost in efficiency. Furthermore, the PHEPSFS machine design reduces torque ripple by an impressive 59.63% compared to the CHEPSFS machine design. Conclusion: The study concludes that the PHEPSFS design effectively optimizes torque performance, making it a promising advancement in HEPSFS machines.

An Enhanced Path Finder Algorithm for the estimation of the stator current envelope to detect rotor bar breakage in an induction motor

The Enhanced Path Finder Algorithm (EPFA) is used in this research to present an innovative approach for examining the state of the rotor bars in an induction motor, employing a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm. Compared to current optimization techniques, the suggested approach permits more balanced exploration and exploitation. The method addresses the drawbacks of traditional analysis of fault related frequencies, such as short data length, spectrum leakages, and inadequate sampling frequency. The primary goal of this research is to identify the twice-slip frequency component and its harmonics in the current envelope that correlates with the fault. The A signal model of the stator current envelope and the residual error function have been used to define a nonlinear least-squares problem. An induction machine model has been developed in 2D ANSYS Maxwell software where faults have been implemented and studied. Finally, the efficiency of the fault detection scheme has been verified with a practical data set.

Optimization of Core Loss for Power Transformer Using Taguchi Method

This article focuses on the optimization of process parameters such as core area, core material and voltage for the design of power transformer. It employs Taguchi orthogonal array technique for designing the experiments and its analysis. Utility transformers are usually specified with the losses associated at design stage. The area of the core cross-section applied voltage, as well as the core material all has impact core loss deterioration. The impact of such variables influencing core loss is investigated by executing the model. A small proportion of core as well as the coil assembly experiments is simulated using the Taguchi approach with the orthogonal array. In this study, the core as well as the coil assembly of an 8MVA, 33/11KV, 3 Phase Transformer is modelled in ANSYS MAXWELL software. MINITAB software is used to assess the program's anticipated core loss in order to discover the optimal arrangement for three control variables.