Advancements in Tools and Methods for the Design of Permanent Magnet Integrated Starter Alternators

This paper describe the simulation tools utilized to design a permanent magnet starter alternator. From the more common steady state finite element analysis to short circuit simulations, to the integration of time domain (transient) FEA into complete electromechanical system simulation, a whole array of simulations based on Ansoft software is presented. Experimental results collected on a Ford prototype are presented and compared with the simulation results. The outcome is a user assessment of the state of the art integrated software solution for the design and simulation of electrical machines