FE analysis of coupled electromagnetic-thermal phenomena in the squirrel cage motor working at high ambient temperature

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to elaborate the method and algorithm for the analysis of the influence of high temperature on electric and thermal properties of the materials, as well as thermal phenomena process. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents specially author’s software for the transient finite element analysis of coupled electromagnetic-thermal problems in a squirrel cage induction motor. The numerical implementation is based on finite element method and step-by-step algorithm. The nonlinearity of a magnetic circuit, the dependence of electric and thermal parameters on temperature, the movement of a rotor and skewed rotor bars have been taken into account. To verify the developed algorithm and software, the influence of high ambient temperature on selected electromagnetic and thermal parameters of the induction motor was examined. Findings The results of simulations compared with measurements confirm the adequacy of this approach to the analysis of coupled electromagnetic-thermal problems. Research limitations/implications 3D effects have only been taken into account when using quasi-3D techniques (e.g. the multi-slice for skewed rotor slots). Practical implications The author’s software developed can be useful in the analysis and design of squirrel cage motors, especially motors working in high ambient temperature. Originality/value The paper offers appropriate author’s software for the transient and steady-state analysis of coupled electromagnetic and thermal problems in squirrel cage motors with skewed slots.