Finite element analysis of three-phase induction motors: comparison of two different approaches

The paper presents a comparison between two different finite element analysis methods of three-phase induction motors. The first method is based on the equivalent circuit of the motor. The field solutions reproduce the indirect (no load and locked rotor) tests, to determine the parameters of the equivalent circuit. The second method, based only on the field solution, reproduces the direct (load) tests. It combines the field solution with the circuital one, imposing the motor voltage directly. Both approaches work with a two-dimensional discretised domain and are applied to a 4 poles and three-phase induction motor. The results are shown by means of figures and tables. From the comparison useful considerations about the finite element analysis of the induction motor can be obtained.