Finite Element-based, Real-Time Simulation of Motor Drives

Originally published
in the December 2009
issue of Planet-RT

Using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method enables engineers to produce highly accurate motor models in comparison to Park-based models. For example, Park-based models assume a sinusoidal flux linkage and therefore do not account for torque effects caused by motor slots, known as cogging torque. However, Park-based models are very simple and have traditionally been used for real-time simulation applications, unlike FEA-based models, which are far more complex and not well suited for real-time simulation.
 

Using RT-LAB, Opal-RT’s Real-Time Simulation platform, it is now possible to simulate FEA-based motor models in real-time.  JMAG-RT, an FEA software design tool developed by the Japan Research Institute (JRI) and available from Opal-RT, enables engineers to generate very high-precision models, for real-time implementation. The model can include details such as all inductance values, including saturation, and flux linkage functions of all motor angles and motor currents. The model can then be incorporated in an RT LAB simulation using a standard Simulink DLL file, and interfaced with RT LAB toolboxes for drive simulation.

A FEA-based PMSM together with kHz-range (>10 kHz) PWM inverters can be simulated at a time step of 50 microseconds using an Opteron-based, 2.2 GHz, RT LAB simulator.

It can be used for design optimization of motor drives and also for testing and calibration of an externally connected electronic control unit (ECU), using hardware-in-the-loop simulation,
 

Related Products