What's new in Altair FluxMotor 2020.1

Altair FluxMotor^TM 2020.1 - Highlights

Here are the main highlights of this new version:

1. Complementary thermal computations

2. New skewing capabilities

3. Motor FMU model export for system simulation

4. Induction machine equivalent scheme characterization

5. New coupling with Altair HyperStudy^TM for design exploration and optimization

6. New data export formats

For more details ...

New thermal computations

Working point in Emag-Thermal steady state

Synchronous machines with permanent magnets – Inner rotor

The thermal behavior of the machine can be determined at working point, which is defined by the current, control angle and speed (I, ψ, N). This computation is available for motor and generator modes

An iterative process between the electromagnetic and thermal models (or only one iteration when it is enough) is performed to evaluate the resulting steady state behavior of the machine. It means that impact of the temperature can also be considered in the electromagnetic performance.

Working point defined by I, ψ, N Thermal computations and results in steady state: Iterative process Emag ↔ Thermal

Induction machines with squirrel cage – Inner rotor

The same thermal characterization is available for induction machines. This time, the working point is defined by the line-line voltage, power supply frequency and speed (U, f, N).
Here also, an iterative process is available.

Skewing for synchronous machines with permanent magnets

The stator slots or the rotor magnets can be skewed (Continuous skewing). In the back end, computations are performed using Flux Skew to get accurate yet fast results.

Magnet skewing – SKEW design area

Export data from FluxMotor in FMU format files

Exporting data like constants, curves, and maps in FMU format files enables designers to consider their machines with their drive and control, into a complete system.

The test "Characterization/Model/Maps" can be selected for exporting data.

Note: This test has been improved with additional maps like maps of static inductances and magnet flux φ₀.

Constants, curves, and maps given in J_d-J_q plane for characterizing the 3-Phase synchronous machines with permanent magnets are computed and exported in FMU format files.

Then, these files can be imported directly into environments like Altair Activate^TM inside block functions, modeling the electrical machine behavior in its global environment.

New area in Motor Factory – EXPORT/FORMAT environment

For instance, the interaction of the machine with its drive and control command can be easily represented and simulated altogether.

Exported data in FMU file format are ready to be used in environment like Activate

A new test for induction machines with squirrel cage

The aim of the test “Characterization / Model / SSFR” is to characterize all the parameters of the equivalent scheme by performing a frequency analysis.

These computations are performed with Finite Element software Altair Flux^TM 2D in the background.

Based on these results (magnitude and phase of the operational inductance) one can deduce all the parameters of the induction machine equivalent scheme.

Computation of all the induction machine equivalent scheme parameters

Then, the resulting equivalent scheme can be evaluated by simulating the starting of the considered induction machine. The speed, torque and absorbed current are computed and displayed versus time.

Evaluation of the induction machine equivalent scheme - Starting of the induction machine

New connectors for coupling with HyperStudy

New connectors for coupling FluxMotor and HyperStudy have been implemented, allowing for setting-up very efficiency Multiphysics optimizations at concept design level.

1. For all the tests in connection with synchronous machines with skewed rotor or stator
2. Computation of induction machine working points defined by line-line voltage, power supply frequency and speed (U, f, N)
3. Thermal characterization of induction machine with squirrel cage
4. Thermal characterization of synchronous machines with permanent magnets
5. NVH evaluation for synchronous machines based on a working point defined with current, control angle and speed (I, ψ, N)

Export files in *.xls format

It is now possible to export data (constants, curves, and maps) into *.xls format which is ready to be used in Microsoft® Excel®.

Export files in *.xls format

View the full Release Notes and download FluxMotor from Altair One.