Application of classic and T lumped parameter thermal models for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines

Abstract

Heat Transfer simulation in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines is mandatory in order to predict temperatures during the design phase. The temperatures in the machine condition the choice of the correct materials as well as the cost of the machine. As these machines are complex, a compromise between accuracy and computational cost is necessary. In this paper, we present two thermal Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine models developing using nodal approach. The first model corresponds to a classic nodal method, with a fine meshing of the machine. The second is made of a network of thermal resistors and capacitors set up using the T-nodal method with a crude meshing. This approach is quite popular as the computation time is quite short. Both models take into account the variation of copper heat losses with copper and magnet temperatures.