Time Resolution Dependency of Core Loss Accuracy in Finite Element Analysis of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

Paper in proceeding, 2020

Higher time resolution in finite element analysis increases numerical accuracy, but also computational load. This paper investigates the influence of time resolution on core loss convergence, for different parts of a permanent magnet synchronous machine intended for electric vehicle propulsion. Time resolution is varied, in each of two simulated electrical periods. The core losses in the rotor parts show a slower convergence while the stator parts are more sensitive to time resolution in the first period. Finally, the trade-off between core loss accuracy and computational time is assessed. A core loss error of 1% could be reached using either 180 time steps in each electric period or, in 70% of the computational time, using 60 and 180 steps in the first and second period respectively. For the investigated case, placing 75% of the time steps in the second period gives the best compromise between computational time and core loss accuracy.