A Computer-Based Design Assistant for Induction Motors

This paper describes a computer-based design assistant for the synthesis, analysis, and optimization of three-phase squirrel-cage induction motors. The distinguishing features of the design assistant are its ability to synthesize and cost new designs, its use of multi-attribute dominance to implement optimization, and its maintenance of a database of optimal designs. Design synthesis is accomplished via a Monte Carlo procedure that allows the design assistant to transcend the limitations of preprogrammed heuristic expert knowledge. Costing is achieved through the use of a manufacturing simulator described elsewhere. Through its optimization, the design assistant retains only superior designs in its database, and presents to the user a feasibility frontier outlined by those designs.