Improved simulation and interface technologies are available to users of Motor-CAD v2. Magsoft Corp's new release, co-developed with Motor Design Ltd of Shropshire, UK, now includes several new machine types and a suite of award-winning numerical tools to deliver innovations.
Motor-CAD v2 includes these machine types:
- Brushless permanent magnet motors
- Induction motors
- Switched reluctance motors
- Brush permanent magnet motors
- Synchronous generators
- Claw pole generators.
In the conceptual stage of the design process for motors and generators, Motor-CAD rapidly computes the thermal solution of a design using lumped-parameter circuit modeling. As in earlier versions, a user can perform either steady-state or transient analysis, but now the transient calculation accepts complex duty cycles. Potential cooling configurations can be explored to identify either the most promising alternatives or those prone to thermal failure. ActiveX development has been completed, permitting users to vary the input/output parameters and to control the simulation process directly, allowing quick exploration of a motor's various sensitivities.
The Motor-CAD interface allows for easy entry of relevant motor data through clearly structured templates. Users can characterize their design alternatives with the control of input parameters such as:
- 3D geometry features
- Conductor type, winding layout, and power controls
- Electrical and mechanical losses
- Physical and thermal material properties
- Housing, potting, and cooling configurations.
"Electric machine designers have consistently told us that the magnetics and mechanics are only part of their problem, and that thermal aspects are becoming more critical to the overall success of any design," says Shep Salon, president of Magsoft. "Motor-CAD's revolutionary approach provides the user with a rapid solution to the 3D thermal behavior of a particular design idea. We are confident that this virtual view into the cooling of machines will allow our users to continue their successes."
