Electrical machine iron loss predictions - A unique engineering approach utilizing transient finite element methods - Part 1: Theory and calculation method

Operating losses directly impact the temperature profiles, life, and efficiency of electrical machines. Achieving accurate predictions of machine performance early in the design process can be a significant challenge. Finite element methods for predicting critical machine performance parameters such as operating losses and efficiency can be used, and advances in computing capabilities have allowed for more extensive use of this approach. This paper is focused on the concepts used in a new and unique method for predicting machine iron losses using transient finite element methods (FEM). A significant difference of the new method is the manner in which the predictive loss function is arrived at given lamination steel experimental loss test data. The new iron loss predictive function is compared to a common historical method for several lamination steels.