Better wizard designs motors and generators

. Based on the FEA ‘Opera’ package, the software uses dialogue boxes to allows users to select the form of motor or generator they want from a list of types that include: induction, brushless permanent magnet and switched reluctance motors, and synchronous motors and generators. They then enter parameters to define mechanical geometry, material properties and electrical data, and the model is generated automatically. An extended range of cage geometries for induction motors now allows users to choose from six different starting points, including circular, bullet and square, as well as various variations and combinations of these shape elements. There are also many options to define notch shapes on induction stator teeth as well as wedge geometries. The choice of geometries for wound rotor synchronous motors has also been expanded. Using the scripts provided, motor or generator models can be generated within minutes. Users can then simulate electromagnetic performance and view results such as torque produced as a function of position, or the static analysis of flux linkage in the phases of the machine as a function of position and excitation.