3-D Eddy Current Modelling of Steel Laminations to Analyze Edge Effects

Abstract

The correct estimation of iron losses is still a challenging task in the numerical analysis of electrical machines. For estimation of eddy current losses, various formulations based on 1-D and 2-D models are mentioned in literature which neglect effect of current density at the edges of steel laminations. This paper compares such simplified 1-D/2-D eddy current loss model with a 3-D model to analyze the effect of edges on eddy current loss calculation. Thickness of the lamination along with frequency of field excitation were determined where considerable deviation in eddy current losses among loss models is observed due to edge assumption.