Thermal modelling investigation of heat paths due to iron losses in synchronous machines

The prediction and distribution of operational iron losses in synchronous machines are of great importance in order to improve the design procedure and yield more efficient generators. To achieve this, finite element analysis was utilised to analyse a Cummins Generator Technologies alternator and, using the required test data and material properties, the iron loss distribution across the machine´s cross-section was established. From this, Lumped Circuit Coefficients (LCCs) were created. LCCs are used to translate the generator´s thermal model to a lumped circuit thermal network.