Ansys Maxwell: Parameterized Double Rotor Axial Flux Motor
Hello everyone, David Giglio here with Ozen Engineering, Inc. In this video, I will show you how to use the magnetic shantyne solver of Ansys Maxwell to model a parameterized axial flux motor model.
Model Components
For this model, we have several parts:
- Rotor Hub
- Magnet
- Stator Coil
- Stator Core
Parameterizing the Rotor Hub
It's quite simple to parameterize the rotor hub. Here's how:
- Use the y-axis as a reference axis.
- Define variables for the outer rotor radius, rotor hub radius, and inner rotor hub radius. You can do this before or during the drawing process.
- Define the height using a variable and sweep it along the z-axis, which is the axis of rotation.
Defining Variables for the Magnet
For the magnet, we need variables for:
- Inner arc angle of the inner radius
- Inner radius
- Outer radius
- Outer arc angle (can be the same or different from the inner arc angle)
Core and Stator Coil Configuration
For the core:
- Inner radius is equal to the inner radius of the rotor hub.
- Outer radius is equal to the outer radius of the rotor hub.
- Define sweeping angles for both inner and outer arcs.
For the stator coil:
- Define the radius of the stator coil's outer segment inside.
- Position it along the y-axis with this radius.
- Define its height as the sum of the rotor hub height, magnet height, and anchor height.
Mirroring and Positioning
Once the objects are created, they are mirrored with respect to the y-axis. Initially, the bottom of each object is on the xy-plane, and they are shifted up as needed:
- The magnet is positioned at the top of the rotor hub and increases by its height (HM).
- Similar positioning is applied to the stator coil and core.
Creating Sectors
This model is an 8-pole axial flux motor with:
- 8 magnets
- 18 stator coils
- 18 stator core sectors
Once sectors are created, they are duplicated around the rotor hub.
Parameter Adjustments
We can adjust parameters such as magnet thickness and air gap. For example, changing the magnet thickness from 8 mm to 16 mm updates the entire model accordingly.
Parametric Sweeps
Using Ansys Maxwell, we can perform parametric sweeps on various geometric parameters, such as:
- Thickness of the magnet
- Air gap between the magnet and stator core
Model Analysis
A solved model is available, demonstrating mechanical torque generation on the rotor and electromagnetic torque on the stator coils. The model uses:
- Three-phase square wave voltages
- DC excitation applied to switches controlling the stator windings
Symmetry and Results
The model applies symmetry, with the full model mirrored with respect to a symmetry plane. The results show almost 2 kilowatts of power production.
Time Control and Variables
It's recommended that time variables for control pulses be multiples of the time step to ensure predictable circuit performance. Variables include:
- Pulse width
- Rise/fall time
- Time step
Conclusion
For more information on axial flux motors and their working principles, check out the blog linked in the video description. Contact us at Ozen Engineering, Inc. for simulation capabilities and demonstrations. We also provide training and consulting services.
Thank you for watching. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos and like this video if you found it helpful. Have a nice day!
Hello everyone, David Giglio here with OZEN Engineering. In this video, I show you how to use the magnetic shantyne solver of Ansys Maxwell to model a parameterized axial flux motor. For this model, we have a few parts, including the rotor hub, the magnet, the stator coil, and the stator core.
It's simple to parameterize the rotor hub. I used the y-axis as a reference axis. For the rotor hub, for example, I used variables. You can define the variables before you start drawing or as you draw, and the program will prompt you to define the variable.
Once we define the inner and outer radius of the rotor hub, we define the height using the variable and then sweep this along the z-axis, which is the axis of rotation.
For the magnet, we need variables for the inner arc angle, the inner radius of the magnet, the outer radius of the magnet, and the outer arc angle.
We'll do the same for the core, with an inner radius of the core, outer radius of the core, and a sweeping angle for the inner and outer arcs of the core. Next, we define the state of the coil. Here, I have the radius of the stator coil, outer segment inside.
This line is positioned along the y-axis with a height. I shift up this line using the variables of the parameterized motor. Once I define that line, I sweep it using the angle span of the stator coil's outer arc.
Once these objects are created, I define the position of these objects with respect to the xy plane. I shift up all the objects that need to be shifted. The magnet, for example, is shifted up by the rotor hub height. The bottom of this magnet is positioned at the top of the rotor hub.
Once I create the sectors, I duplicate them around the rotor hub. The machine looks like this. We have all the 8 magnets, 18 stator coils, and 18 stator cores. We can see how this motor will act by changing the parameters.
Now, the height of the magnet or the thickness of the magnet is 16 millimeters. The air gap between the magnet and the stator core and coils are the same. But I could change that as well. We can raise the radius, and the hole updates. We have a bunch of languages that you can talk about.
And I could make them go out. Two, is parameterized, so we can run a parametric sweep of the metrics. We can add a variable to sweep, such as the thickness of the magnet or the air gap between the magnet and the stator core. We can vary any geometric parameter, as long as it's feasible.
I have a model already solved, and if you see my previous video, I explained how the physics works of generating torque on the rotor. In this position, we see that the coil, phase A, is energized.
The upward field from the stator coil, phase A, will repel the blue magnet because of the opposite magnetization. I applied symmetry for this model. The full model is a mirror of this model, mirrored with respect to the symmetry plane.
I have shown the time controls on the circuit, the symmetry of the model, the excitation polarity, and the time control. I explained the physics in the blog, which provides more detail. Contact us to learn about our simulation capability and request a demonstration.
We provide training to use Ansys tools and offer consulting services. Thank you very much, have a nice day, and be on the lookout for our new uploaded videos. Subscribe to our OZEN Engineering YouTube channel and like this video because I know you love it. Thank you very much.
