Understanding Eddy Current Losses in Magnets and Core Losses in Laminations of Electric Motors
Eddy current losses in magnets affect the efficiency and thermal performance of electric motors. They occur when alternating magnetic fields induce loops of electrical current within conductive materials, such as the magnets used in electric motors. These currents generate heat, leading to reduced efficiency and magnet hotspots.
Core losses, are also due to the alternating magnetic fields within the motor's core material. These losses are typically divided into hysteresis losses, caused by the lagging response of the magnetic material to the changing field, and eddy current losses within the core, as well as excess losses. Understanding how to accurately model and predict these losses is essential for optimizing motor performance and efficiency.
Configuring Your Simulation Environment
Setting up your simulation environment in Ansys Maxwell is a crucial step in accurately calculating and analyzing eddy current and core losses.
1. Define Eddy effects on the magnets by right clicking on Excitations -> Set Eddy Effects:
2. Define a core loss model for the rotor and stator, where you will be calculating core losses:
3. Enable Core Loss in both rotor and stator by right clicking in Excitations -> Set Core Loss:
You can now solve your model.
Step-by-Step Guide to Plotting Eddy Current Losses and Core Losses
To plot eddy current and core losses using Ansys Maxwell, follow these steps:
1. Set per object outputs to be able to see core loss and eddy effects results for each body individually: Double click in Setup -> Solver:
2. Plot your output quantities by right clicking in Results -> Create Transient Report -> Rectangular Plot:
3. Plot the Ohmic loss distribution in your magnets:
