Application of numerical methods to the analysis of the magnetic field in AC traction machines

Introduction. This article examines the current approach to the design of rotating electrical machines. An overview is given of existing software packages for modelling electromagnetic and thermal processes using numerical finite element methods, designed to replace concentrated parameter analysis of electrical equivalent circuits. It describes how modern Russian researchers solve a wide range of problems, from studying traction performance, to analysing electromagnetic disturbances, noise and vibration, to modelling and diagnosing faults. The aim of the study is to investigate the features of a modern software package suitable for modelling and visualising the magnetic field in the induction traction motor DTA-1200A of the electric locomotive EP20.

Materials and methods. The study applies a numerical finite element calculation method using an application software package that synthesises a two-dimensional computer model of the traction motor to calculate the magnetic field and formalises the calculation of output parameters based on data from technical literature, test results and reference materials. Results. One of the existing software packages is successfully piloted as a result of the study. The steps involved in the geometric construction of a traction motor cross section, the principles of setting and measuring physical phenomena, and the capabilities of the software are reviewed. The modelling characteristics of asynchronous electric motors are described. The practical application of magnetic field modelling results to estimate magnetic flux, flux linkage and power loss in a traction motor is studied. After synthesis of the computer model and calculations, the results of the finite element computer modelling are correlated with theoretical design and experimental test data.

Discussion and conclusion. The results of the study are expected to be useful to electrical machine designers and researchers involved in computer modelling of induction electric machines. On the basis of the computer model presented and verified, research could be carried out to improve the performance of traction motors, to improve and optimise their design and to create digital twins of electric machines.

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