Permanent magnets synchronous reluctance (PMSynRel) motors are attractive due to their high torque density and because a lower quantity of permanent magnets is necessary in comparison with other permanent magnet machines. This thesis deals with the analysis of PMSynRel machines using a finite element method (FEM) and reluctance networks. First, a PMSynRel machine model is built in order to carry out simulations using a finite element method package. The effect of different design parameters such as the combination of the number of poles and slots, the number of flux barriers or the number of magnets can be studied since the implementation provides the possibility to change those variables. Next, a reluctance networks model, aimed to enable lower computation times than corresponding finite element models, is implemented for analysing the flux density distributions along the air gap of the machine disregarding the magnetic influence of the rotor. Finally, the results are compared with FEM simulations. It is concluded that the agreement reached is satisfactory in most of the cases analysed.

This thesis deals with the design of a permanent-magnet synchronous inner rotor motor for an in-wheel application for the Shell Eco Marathon Urban concept vehicle. First of all, concepts related to permanent magnet motors are studied. Likewise, different features of permanent magnet motors are qualitatively evaluated in order to choose the most suitable. A radial flux motor is selected based on its solid, economic and acceptable characteristics. Next, a detailed study of concentrated windings is carried out. Through this investigation, undesirable configurations of pole and slot numbers due to unbalanced magnetic pull or a low fundamental winding factor will be avoided and how to determine the different winding layouts for different pole and slots configuration will be explained. As well, based on this study, and the magnetic and electric behavior of the machine, an analytical model is created. This model calculates the optimum size and characteristics of a machine in order to obtain lightweight design. After that, the design of a program based on a finite element method that simulates different situations for the machine is accomplished, dealing with the difficulties that entails the concentrated windings. Finally, through the use of this program, the machine calculated by the analytical model is analyzed, specially regarding that it does not surpass some important margin in order not to be demagnetized or not to surpass the maximum phase voltage supplied by the batteries.

The introduction of inverters utilizing wide band-gap semiconductors allow for higher switching frequency and improved machine drive energy efficiency. However, inverter switching results in fast voltage surges which cause overvoltage at the stator terminals and uneven voltage distribution in the stator winding. Therefore, it is important to understand how next generation machine drives, with higher switching frequency, affect the voltage distribution. For this purpose, a lumped-parameter model capable of simulating winding interturn voltages for the wide frequency range of 0-10 MHz is developed for a slotless PMSM. The model includes both capacitive and inductive couplings, extracted from 2D finite element simulations, as well as analytically estimated resistive winding losses. The developed model of a single phase-winding is used to investigate how machine design aspects such as insulation materials and winding conductor distribution affects both voltage distribution and winding impedance spectrum. Validation measurements demonstrate that the model is accurate for the wide frequency range. The sensitivity analysis suggests that the winding conductor distribution affect both impedance spectrum and voltage distribution. For the slotless machine, capacitance between the winding and the stator is several times smaller than capacitance between turns. Therefore, the high-frequency effects are dominated by the capacitance between turns. Insulation materials that affect this coupling does therefore have an impact on the impedance spectrum but does not have any significant impact on the voltage distribution. / Nästa generations inverterare för styrning av elektriska maskiner, baserade på bredbandgaps komponenter, tillåter högre switchfrekvenser vilket skapar en energieffektivare drivlina. Nackdelen är att snabba spänningsflanker från den höga switchfrekvensen skapar överspänning på stators anslutningar och en ojämn spänningsfördelning i statorlindningen. Det är därför betydelsefullt att förstå hur dessa nya drivlinor påverkar lindningens spänningsfördelning. I denna rapport används en modell kapabel att simulera lindningens spänningsfördelning i det breda frekvensspektrumet 0-10 MHZ. Modellen är framtagen för en faslindning av en PMSM, utan statoröppning, som inkluderar både kapacitiva och induktiva kopplingar samt analytiskt beräknade lindningsförluster. Modellen används för att undersöka spänningsfördelningen i lindningen samt inverkan från designparametrar som isolationsmaterial och lindningsdistribution. Känslighetsanalysen visar att lindingsdistributionen har en signifikant påverkan på både impedansspektrumet och spänningsfördelningen. För den studerade maskintypen är det kapacitansen mellan varv som är dominerande för högfrekventa fenomen. Isolationsmaterial som påverkar denna koppling har en påverkan på impedansspektrumet men är liten för spänningsfördelningen.

Transformers are essential for modern power distribution system. They are efficient and enable the voltages to be transformed up for transportation of electricity and back down for consumer use. The reliability of the transformer is affected by faults and fatigue of the copper. The bigger faults a transformer is subjected to, the shorter life time it will have due to damage to the winding and other parts of the transformer. This thesis investigates if it is possible to characterise the noise made from the windings during a short circuit fault or lightning strike, to see if it can be replicated and if transformers can be diagnosed with the help from the noise. Faults creates forces on the windings, these forces can be so great that the windings collide with each other and in worst case breaks. The sound sources that are interesting are the thermal expansion due to the current, the radial forces and the axial forces acting on the coil. Simulations were made in Comsol multiphysics to see how the currents and forces behaved in a winding. A simplified microphone circuit was built and tested to see if it could detect the noise made from the collisions in the coil. Two microphone types and amplifier circuits were tested to see which ones was most suited for the experiments. The microphone circuit was used to record the sound made from the coils when being compressed. An experiment with a capacitor bank sending a large current pulse through different coils and the noise made from the coil was recorded with a microphone circuit connected to an oscilloscope. The currents are recorded by a computer using the program Picoscope. The capacitor bank was charged to different voltages to get different current amplitudes. A microphone circuit was built and tested so it could detect the sound from the collision. Sound occured with a current pulse with an amplitude of 2 kA, and permanent deformation occured when the amplitude of the current pulse was 4.5 kA. The frequency content of the impact was within the audible spectrum. Possibly even higher frequencies than 20 kHz was present during the fault. The microphone had a bandwidth between 20-20000 Hz, which limits the frequencies that is picked up by the microphone. / Transformatorer är viktiga för det morderna elsystemet. Transformatorer är effektiva och tillåter spänningen att transformeras upp för transport vilket minimerar förlusterna i lendningarna och sedan ned igen för kunder. Tillförlitligheten av transformatorer blir påverkad av fel, felen kan orsaka utslitning av kopparen i lindningarna. Ju större fel som transformatorn blir utsatt för, ju kortare livstid får transformatorn på grund av skada på lindningarna eller andra delar av transformatorn. Denna avhandling undersöker om det är möjligt att karaterisera ljudet från transformator lindningar under ett kortslutningsfel eller blixtnedslag. Felströmmarna skapar krafter på lindningarna, dessa krafter kan vara så stora att lindningarna kolliderar med varandra och i värsta fall går lindningarna sönder. Några intressanta ljudkällor är termisk expansion av kopparen från strömmarna, den radiella kraften på spolen och den axiella kraften på spolen. Simuleringar gjordes i Comsol Multiphysics för att se hur strömmar och krafterna beter sig i transformator lindningarna. En mikrofonkrets byggdes och testades för att se om den kunde detektera ljudet från kollisionerna i spolen. Två olika mikrofontyper och två olika förstärkartyper testades för att se vilka som passade bäst för experimenten. Mikrofonkretsen användes för att spela in ljudet från spolarna. Experimenten gjordes med med hjälp av en kondensatorbank som genererar en strömpuls genom de olika lindningarna/spolarna och ljudet från spolarnas kompression var inspelade av mikrofonkretsen som var inkopplad till ett oscilloskop. Strömpulsen var sparad på datorn med programmet Picoscope. Kondensatorbanken var uppladdad med olika spänningar för att få strömpulser med olika amplituder. Experimenten gjordes på fyra olika spolar, en två varvs spole, en 19 varvs spole, en 40 varvs tätlindad spole och en deformerad 19 varvs spole, för att se om det var skillnad mellan kollisionerna. Ljud uppstod vid en strömpuls med amplituden 2 kA och permanent deformation uppstod vid 4.5 kA. Frekvensinnehållet från kollisionen befann sig inom det hörbara spektrumet. Det fanns möjligen frekvenser över 20 kHz, men mikrofonen hade en bandbredd mellan 20-20000 Hz vilket begränsar de upptagna frekvenserna.

After decades of routine operation, the hydropower industry faces new challenges. Large-scale integration of other renewable sources of generation in the power system accentuates the role of hydropower as a regulating resource. At the same time, an extensive reinvestment programme has commenced where many old components and apparatus are being refurbished or replaced. Introduction of new technical solutions in existing power plants requires good systems knowledge and careful consideration. Important tools for research, development and analysis are suitable mathematical models, numerical simulation methods and laboratory equipment. This doctoral thesis is devoted to studies of the electromechanical interaction between hydropower units and the power system. The work encompasses development of mathematical models, empirical methods for system identification, as well as numerical and experimental studies of hydropower generator and power system interaction. Two generator modelling approaches are explored: one based on electromagnetic field theory and the finite element method, and one based on equivalent electric circuits. The finite element model is adapted for single-machine infinite-bus simulations by the addition of a network equivalent, a mechanical equation and a voltage regulator. Transient simulations using both finite element and equivalent circuit models indicate that the finite element model typically overestimates the synchronising and damping properties of the machine. Identification of model parameters is performed both numerically and experimentally. A complete set of equivalent circuit parameters is identified through finite element simulation of standard empirical test methods. Another machine model is identified experimentally through frequency response analysis. An extension to the well-known standstill frequency response (SSFR) test is explored, which involves measurement and analysis of damper winding quantities. The test is found to produce models that are suitable for transient power system analysis. Both experimental and numerical studies show that low resistance of the damper winding interpole connections are vital to achieve high attenuation of rotor angle oscillations. Hydropower generator and power system interaction is also studied experimentally during a full-scale startup test of the Nordic power system, where multiple synchronised data acquisition devices are used for measurement of both electrical and mechanical quantities. Observation of a subsynchronous power oscillation leads to an investigation of the torsional stability of hydropower units. In accordance with previous studies, hydropower units are found to be mechanically resilient to subsynchronous power oscillations. However, like any other generating unit, they are dependent on sufficient electrical and mechanical damping. Two experimentally obtained hydraulic damping coefficients for a large Francis turbine runner are presented in the thesis.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this dissertation a new type of electrical machine, a Radial Flux Air-Cored Permanent Magnet machine with a Double-sided Rotor and utilising concentrated, non-overlapping windings, is proposed. The concept of the Double-sided Rotor Radial Flux Air-Cored Permanent Magnet machine, or RFAPM machine for short, was derived from the Double-sided Rotor Axial Flux Air-Cored Permanent Magnet (AFAPM) machine. One of the problems that AFAPM machines experience, is the deflection of the rotor discs due to the strong magnetic pull of the permanent magnets, especially with double-sided rotor machines. The main advantage of a RFAPM machine over a AFAPM machine is that the rotor back-iron is cylindrically shaped instead of disk shaped. Due to the structural integrity of a cylinder, the attraction force between the two rotors does not come into play any more. The focus of this dissertation is on a thorough analytical analysis of the Double-Sided Rotor RFAPM machine. With the RFAPM being an air-cored machine, the feasibility to develop a linear, analytical model, to accurately predict the radial flux-density and hence the induced EMF in the stator windings, as well as the accurate calculation of the developed torque of the machine, needed to be investigated. The need for a thorough analytical examination of the Double-Sided Rotor RFAPM machine stemmed from the need to reduce the blind reliance on Finite Element Modelling (FEM) software to calculate the back-EMF and torque produced by these machines. Another problem experienced with the FEM software was to obtain accurate torque results. Excessive ripple torque oscillations were sometimes experienced which took a considerable amount of time to minimise with constant refinement to the meshing of the machine parts. Reduction in the mesh element size unfortunately also added to the simulation time. The requirement for an accurate analytical model of the RFAPM machine was also necessary in order to reduce the amount of time spent on successive FEM simulation to obtain the optimum pole arc width of the permanent magnet in order to minimise the harmonic content of the radial flux-density distribution in the the stator windings. In this dissertation, the use of single-layer and double-layer, non-overlapping, concentrated winding for the RFAPM machine is also investigated. It was decided to include a comparison of these two non-overlapping winding configurations with a “hypothetical” concentrated, overlapping winding configuration. This would allow us to gauge the effectiveness of using nonoverlapping winding with respect to the reduction in copper losses as well as in the reduction in copper volume. It would also allow us to investigate the extent of how much the developed torque is affected by using non-overlapping windings instead of overlapping windings. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie proefskrif word ’n nuwe tipe elektriese masjien, ’n Radiale-vloed Lugkern Permanent Magneet Masjien met ’n dubbelkantige rotor en nie-oorvleuelende Windings voorgestel. Die konsep vir die Radiale-vloed Lugkern Permanent Magneet Masjien, of RVLPM vir kort, is afgelei vanaf die Dubbelkantige Rotor, Aksiale-vloed Lugkern (AVLPM) masjien. Een van die probleme wat met AVLPM masjiene ondervind word, is die defleksie van die rotorjukke as gevolg van die sterk aantrekkingskragte van die permanente magnete, veral in dubbelkantige rotor masjiene. Die hoof voordeel wat die RVLPM masjien inhou bo die AVLPM masjien, is die feit dat die RVLPM se rotorjukke silindries is in plaas van ronde skywe. As gevolg van die strukturele integriteit van ’n silinders, speel die aantrekkingskrag van die permanente magnete nie meer ’n rol nie. Die fokus van die proefskrif gaan oor die deeglike analitiese analise van die dubbelkantige RVLPM masjien. Weens die feit dat die RVLPM masjien ’n lugkern masjien is, is daar besluit om ondersoek in te stel na die moontlikheid om ’n lineêre, analitiese model vir die masjien op te stel waarmee die radiale-vloeddigtheid, teen-EMK asook die ontwikkelde draaimoment vir die masjien akkuraat bereken kan word. Die behoefde aan ’n akkurate analitiese model vir die dubbelkantige rotor RVLPM masjien is om die blinde vertroue te elimineer wat daar in Eindige-Element Modellering (EEM) sagteware gestel word om die teen-EMK en ontwikkelde draaimoment van die RVLPM masjien uit te werk. ’n Verdere probleem wat daar met EEM sagteware ondervind is, is die akkurate berekening van die ontwikkelde draaimoment. Oormatige rimpel draaimoment ossillasies is soms ondervind wat heelwat tyd geverg het om te minimeer, deur voortdurende verfyning van die EEM maas in die verskillende dele van die masjien. Soos die maas egter kleiner word, verleng dit die simulasie tyd van die EEM aansienlik. Nog ’n rede vir ’n akkurate analitiese model van die RVLPM masjien, is om vinnige metode te verkry om die optimale permanente magneet pool hoekwydte te verkry, wat die minste Totale Harmoniese Vervorming (THV) in die radiale-vloeddigtheidsdistribusie in die statorgebied sal veroorsaak, sonder om herhaaldelike EEM simulasies te loop. In die proefskrif word die gebruik van enkellaag en dubbellaag, nie- oorvleuelende, gekonsentreerde wikkelings vir die RVLPM masjien ook ondersoek. Daar is besluit om hierdie twee nie-oorvleuelende windingskonfigurasies met ’n “hipotetiese” gekonsentreerde, oorvleuelende windingskonfigurasie te vergelyk. Dit behoort ons in staat te stel om die doeltreffendheid van nie-oorvleuelende windings te bepaal, met betrekking tot die afname in koperverliese asook die afname in kopervolume. Verder sal dit ons in staat stel om ook mate waartoe die ontwikkelde draaimoment deur nie-oorvleuelende windings beïnvloed word, te ondersoek.

Transients encountered by transformers in power stations during normal operation can have complex oscillatory overvoltages containing a large spectrum of frequency components. These transients can coincide with the natural frequencies of the transformers windings, leading to voltages that can be greater or more severe than the current factory proof tests. This may lead to insulation breakdown and catastrophic failures. Existing lumped parameter RLCG transformer models have been proven to be less accurate for very fast transient overvoltages (VFTO) with frequencies over 1 MHz. A white box model for transient analysis of transformer windings has been developed using Multiconductor Transmission Line (MTL) Theory. This model enables the simulation of natural frequencies of the transformer windings up to frequencies of several MHz, and can be used to compute voltages between turns by representing each turn as a separate transmission line. Both continuous and interleaved disk windings have been modelled and a comparison and validation of the results is presented. / May 2017

Cette thèse aborde la problématique de la modélisation multiphysique en génie électrique, avec une application à l’étude des vibrations d’origine électromagnétique des cages de développantes. Cette étude comporte quatre parties : la construction de la densité de courant, le calcul des forces locales, le transfert de solutions entre maillages et la résolution des problèmes couplés. Un premier enjeu est de correctement représenter les courants, cette opération est effectuée en deux étapes : la construction de la densité de courant et l’annulation de la divergence. Si des structures complexes sont utilisées, l’imposition du courant ne peut pas toujours être réalisée à l’aide de méthodes analytiques. Une méthode basée sur une résolution électrocinétique ainsi qu’une méthode purement géométrique sont testées. Cette dernière donne des résultats plus proches de la densité de courant réelle. Parmi les nombreuses méthodes de calcul de forces, les méthodes des travaux virtuels et des forces de Laplace, considérées par la littérature comme les plus adaptées au calcul des forces locales, ont été étudiées. Nos travaux ont montré que bien que les forces de Laplace sont particulièrement précises, elles ne sont pas valables si la perméabilité n’est plus homogène. Ainsi, la méthode des travaux virtuels, applicable de manière universelle, est préférée. Afin de modéliser des problèmes multi-physiques complexes à l’aide de plusieurs codes de calculs dédiés, des méthodes de transferts entre maillages non conformes ont été développées. Les procédures d’interpolations, les méthodes localement conservatives et les projections orthogonales sont comparées. Les méthodes d’interpolations sont réputées rapides mais très diffusives tandis que les méthodes de projections sont considérées comme les plus précises. La méthode localement conservative peut être vue comme produisant des résultats comparables aux méthodes de projections, mais évite l’assemblage et la résolution de systèmes linéaires. La modélisation des problèmes multi-physiques est abordée à l’aide des méthodes de transferts de solutions. Pour une classe de problème donnée, l’assemblage d’un schéma de couplage n’est pas unique. Des tests sur des cas analytiques sont réalisés afin de déterminer, pour plusieurs types de couplages, les stratégies les plus appropriées.Ces travaux ont permis une application à la modélisation magnéto-mécanique des cages de développantes est présentée. / The modeling of multi-phycics problems in electrical engineering is presented, with an application to the numerical computation of vibrations within the end windings of large turbo-generators. This study is divided into four parts: the impositions of current density, the computation of local forces, the transfer of data between disconnected meshes, and the computation of multi-physics problems using weak coupling, Firstly, the representation of current density within numerical models is presented. The process is decomposed into two stages: the construction of the initial current density, and the determination of a divergence-free field. The representation of complex geometries makes the use of analytical methods impossible. A method based on an electrokinetical problem is used and a fully geometrical method are tested. The geometrical method produces results closer to the real current density than the electrokinetical problem. Methods to compute forces are numerous, and this study focuses on the virtual work principle and the Laplace force considering the recommendations of the literature. Laplace force is highly accurate but is applicable only if the permeability is uniform. The virtual work principle is finally preferred as it appears as the most general way to compute local forces. Mesh-to-mesh data transfer methods are developed to compute multi-physics models using multiples meshes adapted to the subproblems and multiple computational software. The interpolation method, a locally conservative projection, and an orthogonal projection are compared. Interpolation method is said to be fast but highly diffusive, and the orthogonal projections are highly accurate. The locally conservative method produces results similar to the orthogonal projection but avoid the assembly of linear systems. The numerical computation of multi-physical problems using multiple meshes and projections is then presented. However for a given class of problems, there is not an unique coupling scheme possible. Analytical tests are used to determine, for different class of problems, the most accurate scheme. Finally, numerical computations applied to the structure of end-windings is presented.

During the insert process when the windings of an electric motor are pushed into the stator slots, some detrimental phenomena can occur that affect the efficiency and life of the motor. To detect these phenomena and optimize the process, a simulation would be useful. An investigation of the possibility to perform a simulation, using an appropriate numerical method for the insert process of distributed windings in a permanent magnet synchronous motor, was performed. During the project, a literature study was carried out to investigate existing methods and key-parameters for the simulation of the process. Explicit finite element method has been shown to be a suitable numerical method for simulating another winding process. An explicit finite element analysis was performed with a simplified model of the stator, the wires, the transmission tool and the needles by using the software Abaqus/CAE. In order to reduce the computational time, beam elements were used to model the wires and the other parts as rigid bodies. The model accounted for example contact and provided numerical results. The result was a suitable model. However, it needs to be developed further.

Cette thèse de doctorat s'inscrit dans un projet pour le développement du transport ferroviaire piloté par la société ALSTOM Transport. Il répond aux prévisions de quadruplement des déplacements interurbains et régionaux en France à l'horizon 2020 en respectant les contraintes environnementales très sévères, dont les normes restrictives du niveau de bruit émis par les trains. Une réduction importante du bruit émis par le moteur est donc nécessaire. Notre mission dans ce projet a été de développer un outil capable de prédire le bruit d'origine électromagnétique produit par les moteurs synchrones à aimants permanents, équipés d'un bobinage distribué ou concentré, et alimentés par des tensions MLI. Pour cela, un modèle multi-physique a été développé.Un couplage numérique - analytique a été mis en place pour calculer les forces magnétiques dans l'entrefer. La perméance globale d'entrefer et les inductances synchrones sont ainsi calculées grâce à des simulations éléments finis en statique, et très rapides. Un niveau de précision et de rapidité de résolution inégalé est obtenu pour le calcul des forces magnétiques. L'alimentation MLI, la perméabilité des clavettes, la saillance du rotor et l'asymétrie des dents du stator sont pris en compte. La rapidité de l'outil permet un couplage avec un superviseur d'optimisation. Deux prototypes ont été dimensionnés et fabriqués dans le but de valider le modèle multi-physique / This thesis is part of a project for the development of rail transportation piloted by ALSTOM TRANSPORT. It meets the forecasts of fourfold increase of the interurban and regional travels in France before 2020, by respecting very severe environmental requirements, among which the restrictive standards of noise level emitted by trains. An important reduction of the noise radiated by motors is required. Our mission in this project was to develop a tool capable of predicting the electromagnetic noise produced by permanent magnet synchronous motors equipped with distributed or concentrated windings, and fed by a PWM converter. For that purpose, a multi-physics model was developed.A numerical - analytical coupling was set up to calculate the airgap magnetic pressures. Global airgap permeance and synchronous inductances are thus calculated thanks to statics finite element simulations. An unequalled level of precision and speed of resolution is obtained for the computation of airgap magnetic pressures. The PWM supply, the wedge permeability, the rotor shape and the asymmetry of stator teeth are taken into account. The quickness of the resolution allows coupling our tool with an optimization supervisor. Two prototypes were designed and built in order to validate the multi-physics model