Browsing by Author "Botha, Marne"
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- ItemDesign of induction machines for traction applications(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Botha, Marne; Wang, R-J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Over the past few years, electric vehicles have gained popularity due to environmental driven aspirations of industrialized countries to ban fossil-fuel cars. In synergy with an agenda for renewable energy, electrified transportation is seen as a key component for a sustainable future. The aim of this thesis was to formulate a design strategy for induction motors for traction applications, with emphasis on a wide flux weakening range. An analytical model was derived to generate an initial design according to required specifications. The performance accuracy of the analytical model was closely aligned with commercial software packages such as ANSYS RMxprt. The initial design was optimized through a non-gradient based genetic algorithm. The optimized design was then further refined for manufacturability and adapted to reduce harmonic copper losses at high frequencies. The traction motor was built and tested, with measured performance matching well with expected results. The prototype motor performance validated the legitimacy of the suggested design strategy. The design strategy was then used to develop a theoretical model of a larger traction motor for locomotive applications. Additionally, the design approach was adapted to implement voltage management with the aim of reducing manufacturing costs of larger traction motors. The adapted strategy was tested with the design of an additional traction motor and proved to be a less expensive alternative.