Hysteresis modelling of brushless exciters using finite element analysis

This paper describes the importance of residual magnetism in the stator of a brushless exciter used in a self-starting alternator set. It then shows how a pragmatic hysteresis model within finite element simulations of the exciter can be used to optimize the material properties required to obtain the maximum residual exciter armature voltage, while also minimizing the losses associated with using higher permeability materials. Correlation of the simulated residual voltage with test results for an example exciter is also obtained.