A new modelling of DC machines taking into account commutation effects

In some specific manufactured electromechanical applications, power electronic converters must be avoided due to hostile environment. In such a context, stand-alone DC machines are good candidates because of their high reliability and low cost. However, the mechanical commutation is a big problem in this kind of machine especially in high current and low voltage applications. Losses due to arching contacts can be significant. The authors present an original technique to take into account every electrical aspect of brushes contacts (mechanical sliding contact and arching contact). The aim of this study is to determine currents and voltages of conductors during commutation in order to reduce significantly losses due to sliding contact. These evolutions are very important data for finite element analysis too.