Browsing by Author "Schäfer, Adrian"

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Open Access
Accelerated 3D FEA of an axial flux machine by exclusively using the magnetic scalar potential
(2023) Schäfer, Adrian; Pecha, Urs; Kaiser, Benedikt; Schmid, Martin; Parspour, Nejila
This article focuses on increasing the computational efficiency of 3D multi-static magnetic finite element analysis (FEA) for electrical machines (EMs), which have a magnetic field evolving in 3D space. Although 3D FEA is crucial for analyzing these machines and their operational behavior, it is computationally expensive. A novel approach is proposed in order to solve the magnetic field equations by exclusively using the magnetic scalar potential. For this purpose, virtual variable permanent magnets (vPMs) are introduced to model the impact of the machine’s coils. The effect on which this approach is based is derived from and explained by Maxwell’s equations. To validate the new approach, an axial flux machine (AFM) is simulated using both 2D and 3D FEA with the magnetic vector potential and current-carrying coils as a reference. The results demonstrate a high level of agreement between the new approach and the reference simulations as well as an acceleration of the computation by a factor of 15 or even more. Additionally, the research provides valuable insights into meshing techniques and torque calculation for EMs in FEA.
Open Access
A review of electromagnetic simulation and modelling approaches for the research on axial flux synchronous machines
(2024) Schäfer, Adrian; Pecha, Urs; Parspour, Nejila; Kampker, Achim; Born, Henrik; Hartmann, Sebastian; Franke, Jörg; Baader, Marcel; Hahn, Roman
Extensive electromagnetic (EMAG) studies are necessary to fully realize the potential of axial flux machines (AFMs). However, the disc-shaped air gap and the complex three-dimensional path of magnetic flux pose challenges in modelling AFMs compared to conventional radial flux machines. This study reviews current research on EMAG modelling and simulation of AFMs, highlighting the need for tools that address AFM-specific effects. Existing approaches are analysed based on the requirements composed by fundamental objectives of EMAG simulations and AFM-specific effects, revealing limitations in flexibility and the ability to capture emerging trends in the field of AFMs. While computationally expensive 3D finite element analysis (FEA) offers comprehensive flexibility in EMAG modelling, it lacks efficiency to carry out extensive studies on such trends. Therefore, there is a need to either further accelerate 3D FEA or to increase the flexibility of existing alternatives to facilitate and thereby promote research in the field of AFM and other 3D flux machines. While the integration of some production-specific effects, such as manufacturing tolerances, already is investigated for EMAG simulations of AFMs the future research on the early estimation of manufacturability based on EMAG simulations is crucial for evaluating designs and anticipating manufacturing influences.