Motion in frequency domain for harmonic balance simulation of electrical machines

Purpose The high computational effort of steady-state simulations limits the optimization of electrical machines. Stationary solvers calculate a fast but less accurate approximation without eddy-currents and hysteresis losses. The harmonic balance approach is known for efficient and accurate simulations of magnetic devices in the frequency domain. But it lacks an efficient method for the motion of the geometry. Design/methodology/approach The high computational effort of steady-state simulations limits the optimization of electrical machines. Stationary solvers calculate a fast but less accurate approximation without eddy-currents and hysteresis losses. The harmonic balance approach is known for efficient and accurate simulations of magnetic devices in the frequency domain. But it lacks an efficient method for the motion of the geometry. Findings The three-phase symmetry reduces the simulated geometry to the sixth part of one pole. The motion transforms to a frequency offset in the angular Fourier series decomposition. The calculation overhead of the Fourier integrals is negligible. The air impedance approximation increases the accuracy and yields a convergence speed of three iterations per decade. Research limitations/implications Only linear materials and two-dimensional geometries are shown for clearness. Researchers are encouraged to adopt recent harmonic balance findings and to evaluate the performance and accuracy of both formulations for larger applications. Practical implications This method offers fast-frequency domain simulations in the optimization process of rotating machines and so an efficient way to treat time-dependent effects such as eddy-currents or voltage-driven coils. Originality/value This paper proposes a new, efficient and accurate method to simulate a rotating machine in the frequency domain.