Comparison of a simple and a detailed model of magnetic hysteresis with measurements on electrical steel

Abstract

Purpose

For efficient magnetic field calculations in electrical machines, the hysteresis and losses in laminated electrical steel must be modeled in a simple and reliable way. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and discuss the potential of a simple complex‐permeability model.

Design/methodology/approach

A frequency dependent complex‐permeability model as well as a more detailed model (describing hysteresis, classical eddy current effects, and excess losses separately) are compared to single‐sheet measurements on laminated electrical steel. It is discussed under which circumstances the simple complex‐μ model is an adequate substitute for the more detailed model.

Findings

A satisfactory agreement of the simple complex‐μ model was found with both detailed model and measurements, improving with increasing frequencies. This is true not only for the effective permeability function, but holds also for the detailed H‐B characteristics (hysteresis).

Originality/value

It is demonstrated that the complex‐μ model is a reliable and convenient starting point for the estimation of flux distribution and losses in complicated magnetic core geometries.

Citation

Tavakoli, H., Bormann, D., Ribbenfjärd, D. and Engdahl, G. (2009), "Comparison of a simple and a detailed model of magnetic hysteresis with measurements on electrical steel", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 700-710. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321640910940954