Practical experiment for students: Winding an induction machine

Abstract

Innovation in the area of electromobility relies primarily on the performance of the electrical drive system of the automobile. Motor concepts used in electromobility mostly consist of three-phase electrical machines like induction machines (IM) or permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM). Both machine designs rely on a rotating three-phase magnetic field in the air gap of the motor which is the result of the superimposed alternating fields of three phase currents. A knowledge of the underlying principles of electromagnetic field theory is a must for designers of all kinds of motors, especially for the highly utilized motors used in automobile applications. Students frequently express difficulties in understanding the basic theory of electromagnetic fields in rotating electrical machines. To further their understanding of the theory involved, an experimental motor has been developed. Using this motor, students have to design and implement different winding schemes. The motor design is kept simple, using basic technology such as a laminated stator core, simple coils and a rudimentary squirrel cage rotor. The experiment helps students to comprehend electromagnetic field theory with special consideration of electrical machines and is highly praised by students for its practical orientation.