Phase-belt harmonics in complex finite-element analysis of induction motors with an airgap interface coupling

A model for considering phase-belt harmonics in complex finite-element analysis of induction motors is presented. The rotor motion is accounted for by coupling the stator and rotor fields at a suitable airgap interface. To include the phase belt harmonics, a spectral decomposition of the rotor field is performed. The significant harmonic fields are linked to the stator field at the coupling interface using a transformation technique. Saturation is taken into account in a timeaverage sense using an effective reluctivity. Calculations are compared with measurements.