Rotor Materials for Medium-Speed Solid-Rotor Induction MotorS

The effects of different solid-rotor materials on the motor performance are studied. The performance characteristics of a 180 kW medium-speed induction motor with solid rotor are analyzed using two-dimensional finite element method. A set of fictitious and realistic ferromagnetic materials, the mechanical properties of which satisfy the requirements of high-speed operation, were used in the calculations. It is shown that the highest torque is reached with a material having high saturation magnetic flux density and good electrical conductivity. It is also shown that in order to achieve efficient operation of the motor the rotor resistive losses should be minimized.