Simulation of a Transverse Flux Linear Induction Motor to Determine an Equivalent Circuit Using 3D Finite Element

Abstract

This paper presents a Transverse Flux Linear Induction Motor prototype simulated with a 3D Finite Element tool. The main objective of the paper is to obtain an accurate method to construct an equivalent circuit that simulates the motor, using some specific parameters. The method has three steps. In the first step, we simulate two indirect tests to represent rotating induction machines, standstill and locked rotor tests. Using the test results, we define an equations system that incorporates the longitudinal end-effect. The system allows us to select specific parameters needed to build the equivalent circuit using six different configurations. In the second step, we classify the parameters in two groups: parameters from the primary and secondary parts. We test the primary part parameters defining the magnetizing inductance as a combination of the longitudinal and the transversal magnetizing inductance. To this end, the method analyses the first harmonic of the magnetic field wave along the air gap, which is located above the central teeth. Thus, it is possible to establish a difference between transversal and longitudinal components of the magnetic field density. The parameters of the secondary part will be compared using 2D Field Theory with a linear induction motor that operates with a transverse flux configuration. In the third step, the method analyses the selected parameters using a goodness factor, a dimensionless key performance indicator, specifically used to evaluate the behavior of linear induction motors and the specific parameters estimated for the equivalent circuit.

Keywords

• Air gap magnetic flux density
• equivalent circuit
• goodness factor
• indirect tests
• magnetizing inductance
• transverse flux linear induction motor