Thermal modelling of a car alternator with claw poles using 2D finite element software

Abstract

A car alternator with claw poles is typically a 3D device because its shape is not axi‐symmetrical nor XY‐symmetrical. A 3D finite element model can be useful to simulate the thermic behavior of the machine but is rarely available. In this paper, it is shown that a 2D simulation can fit even if all the thermal phenomena relating to the missing direction are neglected. The alternators have been modeled in two different sections to show their respective reliability. Moreover, thermal hybrid conductivities have been defined to take into account the succession of the different materials in the missing direction.