Types of Tests Performed on Electrical Machines using Altair tools
Altair EmployeeAltair FluxMotor, Flux, and SimLab are advanced simulation tools used for design and analysis of electrical rotating machines. FluxMotor simplifies motor design with a pre-configured workflow for rapid prototyping and performance evaluation and Flux provides precise finite element analysis for electromagnetic performance, thermal behavior and loss prediction, while SimLab complements these tools with robust multi-physics simulation capabilities including structural and thermal analysis. Together, they offer seamless, efficient solutions for developing high-performance, energy- efficient energy electrical machines. In this blog, let understand type of tests performed using Flux, FluxMotor and SimLab.
Types of Tests:
All the tests performed on Electrical machines can be briefly classified into the following. These tests can be performed in Flux Motor, Flux and SimLab. In FluxMotor these tests are readily available and can be easily performed when compared to Flux and SimLab. One can start working with FluxMotor and later adapt to Flux/ SimLab for more precise analysis.
Open-circuit tests:
The open-circuit tests for motors and generators include cogging torque and back- emf tests. The cogging torque test aims to evaluate the machine's characteristics influenced by its topologies (Slots and Magnets) and their dimensions.
The back EMF test analyzes the machines behavior in an open circuit state providing insights into design parameters like topology, winding architecture, coil composition, and material collection.
Model Tests & Datasheet Test:
The model tests help to predict the behavior of electrical rotating machines at system level. In the case of Induction machines, basic, stand still frequency response and scalar tests are available in FluxMotor tool. Similarly,
Datasheet test is a characterization test available in FluxMotor to characterize the behavior of the machine when operating at the working point that is located at the base speed point.
Efficiency Maps:
Efficiency Maps are 2D maps of various operating conditions to identify the optimal performance zones for energy efficiency.
Working Point Test:
The working point test assesses machine operation with sinusoidal or square wave input to understand performance under different drive signals at any given operating points. Based on the input given like control angle, load resistance & inductance, rms value of line voltage, current density etc. and Mode of operation (generator or motor). Working point test in FluxMotor are classified into I-Ψ-N, T-N, U-N, I-U, I-Ψ-N, R-L-N, and Forced I.
NVH Analysis:
This test examines the acoustic and vibrational behavior of machines when operating at the targeted working point defined with the following inputs like Magnitude of current, Control angle, Speed, mechanical torque and speed.
Thermal Analysis:
This test is to evaluate the impact of electromagnetic performance on the thermal behavior of the machine. A thermal working point defined by a speed and a set of losses can be considered to compute the temperature charts and the main thermal parameters. The inputs describing the thermal working point can be set manually or imported from electromagnetic tests that were previously solved. This test helps to understand if there is any overheating, study of different cooling techniques.