Evaluation of software using the finite element method by simulating transformers and inductors

• Main Authors: Larsson, Jenny, Håkansson, David
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Linköpings universitet, Elektroniksystem 2011
• Subjects: transformers; inductors; design; simulation; power losses; software; finite element method; Electrical engineering; Elektroteknik
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-65759

In this bachelor thesis several software, capable of calculating andsimulating complex problems concerning the power losses in inductors andtransformers with the finite element method, have been evaluated and used tosolve test cases provided by the commissioner. The software have been evaluatedwith respect to several requirements stated by the commissioner.The aim is to be able to simulate power losses and inductance levels in complexdesigns of inductors and transformers. By reading the manuals to the software, aview of the methods and equations the different software use for their calculationshave been established. The enclosed tutorials have provided the knowledge forthe operations of the different software. By designing the test models providedby the commissioner, a deeper understanding of the work area has been reached.The test results provides an answer for the test models, the behaviour of themagnetic field has been analysed for the models and the calculated power lossesseem to correspond to the behaviour of the prototypes.The evaluation of the software has been done with regard to the commissionersrequirements. The recommendation will be to use either FEMM 4.2 or QuickField5.7, both software have a short training curve and an interface easy to maintain.For problems requiring a transient analysis the recommendation is QuickField, butthe material library maintainability is better in FEMM 4.2. Regarding COMSOLMultiphysics 3.5 and Ansys RAnsoft Maxwell Student Version 9, both softwareare highly qualified for the complex calculations needed for these kind of problems.The training curve for these software is however much longer than for the othertwo software and for the commissioner to be able to fully use all the possibilitiesin the software this will not be efficient.