Simcenter E-Machine Design (the evolution of the classic SPEED software) is a specialized application from Siemens Digital Industries Software. It is focused on the fast conceptual design and preliminary optimization of electric motors and generators (E-Machines).
Core Philosophy:
To enable motor designers and engineers to rapidly explore a vast design space, perform feasibility studies, and converge on an optimized motor concept before moving to more computationally expensive and time-consuming finite element analysis (FEA).
Key Modules & Analytical Capabilities:
1. Rapid Geometry Creation and Template Library
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Pre-Defined Topologies: Features an extensive library of common motor architectures, including:
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Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (IPM, SPM)
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Induction Motors
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Synchronous Reluctance Motors
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Brushless DC Motors
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Switched Reluctance Motors
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Parameterized Design: Users define key geometric parameters (e.g., stator outer diameter, stack length, air gap, magnet size, slot/pole combinations) to instantly generate and modify motor models.
2. Integrated Magnetic, Electrical, and Thermal Analysis
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Lumped-Parameter and Analytical Modeling: Utilizes advanced magnetic equivalent circuits (MEC) and analytical equations to calculate performance in seconds or minutes, not hours.
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Key Performance Outputs:
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Torque-Speed Curve: Generate continuous and peak torque capabilities across the entire speed range, including field-weakening performance.
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Back-EMF: Calculate the induced voltage waveform at various operating points.
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Losses Breakdown: Precisely estimate iron losses, copper losses, magnet eddy current losses, and mechanical losses.
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Efficiency Maps: Create full motor efficiency maps (torque vs. speed) – a critical deliverable for evaluating performance against driving cycles (like WLTP).
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Thermal Analysis: Integrate lumped-parameter thermal networks to predict winding, magnet, and stator temperatures under various operating conditions, ensuring thermal robustness.
3. Drive Integration and System Analysis
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Power Converter Modeling: Model the effects of the inverter (e.g., PWM strategies, DC link voltage, current control) on motor performance.
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Current Control Simulation: Analyze motor behavior under different control strategies such as Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) and Flux-Weakening Control (FWC).
4. Sizing and Optimization
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Sensitivity Analysis: Quickly assess how changes in key parameters (e.g., air gap length, magnet grade, number of turns) impact overall performance (e.g., torque, efficiency, cost).
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Automated Optimization: Use built-in algorithms to automatically search the design space for a configuration that best meets multiple, often competing, objectives (e.g., maximizing efficiency while minimizing material cost and weight).
Typical Inputs & Outputs:
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Inputs: Target performance (power, torque, speed), geometric constraints, material properties (laminations, magnets, copper), operating voltage, and cooling conditions.
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Outputs: Detailed motor dimensions, performance curves (torque, power, efficiency), loss breakdowns, thermal limits, and preliminary mass and cost estimates.
