HIL-Based Finite-Element Design Optimization Process for the Computational Prototyping of Electric Motor Drives

An online hardware-in-the-loop finite-element (FE)-based design optimization procedure is developed for the computational prototyping of coupled electric motor-drive system. A design optimization case for development of permanent magnet (PM) machine drive is presented. The physical representation of the machine is achieved by modeling the machine as a current adjustable load. The mutual interaction of the machine and the existing drive is taken into account by physical connection of the drive to a current adjustable load. The current adjustable load can be automatically renewed due to the design parameter changes of the machine being designed in an optimization process. The optimal design of the PM machine example is realized using the proposed technique and both numerical and test results are discussed.