Thermal computer aided design-advancing the revolution in compact motors

This paper demonstrates the advantages that can be gained from properly analysing the thermal characteristics of electric motors at the design stage. Motor-CAD has been developed as a tool to assist the designer in this complex and important area of design. Some examples of how thermal analysis can aid the miniaturisation of permanent magnet motors have been shown, supported by data where appropriate. Motor-CAD transient calculation capabilities have been demonstrated with test data. If a motor is to be driven to full potential without overheating, the importance of carrying out transient duty-cycle analysis has also been shown.