Magnetic-thermal element sequential coupling algorithm in the application of permanent magnet generator temperature analysis

Temperature is the one focus of the considerations in the permanent magnet electric machine design. In the past, the stator core loss is considered as a whole or several sub-blocks heat source in the temperature field calculation, while the fact is that the stator iron loss is distributed throughout the core. Consequently, this approach will result in calculation error. To reduce the error, the magnetic-thermal element coupling algorithm is presented. Elements loss, calculated in 2D magnetic field by using finite element method, is coupled to the corresponding 3D element to calculate transient temperature field. At the same meantime, the coupling algorithm will decrease the time of the calculation process. Take permanent magnet generator for example. A transient temperature field analysis is carried out by using the magnetic-thermal element coupling algorithm.