ANSYS BLOG
May 16, 2019
Engineers Optimize Motors and Generators Using Multiphysics Modeling
The wide range of power generation applications requires engineers to optimize each motor and generator for its intended function. For instance, a cruise ship generator must be relatively quiet so passengers aren’t disturbed. Whereas, a generator in a remote village must be optimized for efficiency to reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Optimizing these generators for their intended application requires the use of multiphysics modeling to capture various phenomena. For example, both electrical and mechanical resistance will create heat that can stress a part. At the same time, fans or other cooling systems will dissipate this heat. Capturing this heat flow is an inherent multiphysics problem.
Therefore, to optimize its motor and generator designs, Marelli Motori couples structural, electromechanical and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations within multiphysics models.
A generator from Marelli Motori that is maximized for marine applications.
How Marelli Motori Sets Up Multiphysics Models of Motors and Generators
Marelli Motori models motors and generators using several types of physics simulations linked within the Ansys Workbench platform.
Wireless power transfer
Ansys Mechanical is used to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio of Marelli Motori’s generator and motor components. To simulate fans and heat exchangers within these, Marelli Motori uses Ansys CFX. The multiphysics first comes into play when the motor’s electromagnetics produce heat, vibrations and magnetic fields that affect these structural and fluids simulations. Marelli Motori links Ansys Maxwell to Mechanical to reduce the vibrations and magnetic forces on the system. Next, its engineers link Maxwell to CFX to identify hotspots in the coils so they can optimize the system’s heat exchangers and fans.
Though these multiphysics simulations are accurate and efficient, Marelli Motori is always exploring ways to speed up its optimization process early in development. With its adoption of Ansys Discovery Live, the company has made great gains in this direction.