Modeling eddy current losses in the clamping plate of large synchronous generators using the finite element method

Three dimensional finite element models of the end region of large generators can be calculated with current computers. Recent authors have calculated the field in the end region with some simplifications (field tangential to the surface of the clamping plate and surface impedance boundary condition (SIBC) at the surface of the clamping plate to get results within acceptable calculation time. For calculating the eddy currents accurately, the calculation time might take several months. Therefore it isn´t practicable to make several simulations. However this article gives an overview how to build such large models to get accurate results within the first solution. Considered are the mesh properties, material data and geometric details of the end region.