By DE Editors
Cobham Technical Services demonstrated the 3D version of its rapid electromagnetic design tool for rotating electrical machines, the Advanced Machines Environment, for the first time at CWIEME Berlin. The new software combines finite element analysis (FEA) simulation with a design entry system that creates full 3D models of electric motors or generators. The software is an application-specific toolbox of the Opera electromagnetic simulator.
The 3D Advanced Machines Environment provides a front-end to the electromagnetic simulator that the company says speeds design entry by means of “fill-in-the-blanks” dialog boxes. Users select the form of motor or generator they want to design from a list of common types and variants. By entering a list of perhaps 10 parameters to define mechanical geometry, material properties and electrical data, the 3D models are then automatically created.
The 3D software allows developers to model an entire machine, providing a simulation that takes factors such as end winding effects and fringe effects into account.
The 3D Advanced Machines Environment comes with design templates for common rotating machinery including motor types such as AC induction, brushless, permanent magnet and switched reluctance, plus synchronous motors or generators. The 3D version also introduces support for the axial flux electrical machine sector. Users can additionally select numerous design variants for different machine types, such as a choice of rotor styles.
For more information, visit Cobham Technical Services.
Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.