An Interpolative Finite-Element Modeling and the Starting Process Simulation of a Large Solid Pole Synchronous Machine

Direct simulation of the starting process of an electric machine using a 3-D transient finite-element analysis (FEA) is very time consuming. To overcome this difficulty, an interpolative finite-element modeling of a large solid pole synchronous motor (SPSM) is presented and its starting process is simulated in this paper. In order to take into account the effects of cooling ducts and end turns, three different simplified 3-D finite-element models (FEMs) are proposed to reduce the computing time and save memory storage. With the proposed algorithm, an appropriate postprocess is exploited to deduce an effective core length and an end-turn leakage inductance. Then, a 2-D transient FEM with the modified parameters from 3-D FEA is used to simulate the starting process. The proposed method is validated by the test results of a 15 000-hp, 13.2-kV, 4-pole SPSM.

I. Introduction

Large solid pole synchronous motor (SPSM), which is fabricated using solid pieces of forged, welded, or dovetailed steel as the rotor pole body, is used commonly to drive large compressors, pumps, and blowers in power stations, steel plants, etc. The merits of the SPSM are its self-starting performance, reliable operation, and high thermal capacity [1], [2].