Electric machines are a key technology for energy conversion and decarbonisation of the electric grid. This emphasizes the importance of simulation and optimization tools for electric motors, which enable a rapid design process considering material and energy efficiency.
New concepts for the simulation and optimisation of electric machines are investigated in the German-Austrian Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio CREATOR – Computational Electrical Machine Laboratory (TRR361/F90). The latest work of Michael Wiesheu features a novel approach, that enables the simultaneous optimisation of geometrical parameters and shape – which are both relevant for a performant and steady motor operation. Today, electric motors are conventionally optimised with genetic blackbox algorithms that scale unfavorably with the number of optimisation variables. The preprint discusses how to use state of the art techniques to significantly reduce the computational time even for a large number of optimization parameters and include free-form shape modifications in the process.
The preliminary work for this article was awarded with the “Hansjörg Wacker Memorial Prize” from ECMI featuring the best mathematical dissertation at the Masters level on an industrial project. Overall, the new method potentially allows for a higher design freedom for electric machines while reducing the simulation time.