3-D Magnetic equivalent circuit framework for modeling electromechanical devices

Magnetic equivalent circuits (MECs) are becoming an accepted alternative to electrical-equivalent lumped-parameter models and finite-element analysis (FEA) for simulating electromechanical devices. Their key advantages are moderate computational effort, reasonable accuracy, and flexibility in model size. MECs are easily extended into three dimensions. But despite the successful use of MEC as a modeling tool, a generalized 3-D formulation useable for a comprehensive computer-aided design tool has not yet emerged (unlike FEA, where general modeling tools are readily available). This paper discusses the framework of a 3-D MEC modeling approach, and presents the implementation of a variable-sized reluctance network distribution based on 3-D elements. Force calculation and modeling of moving objects are considered. Two experimental case studies, a soft-ferrite inductor and an induction machine, show promising results when compared to measurements and simulations of lumped parameter and FEA models.