Three dimensional Magnetic Field Analysis of a Lundell Alternator

Abstract

A three dimensional finite element approach was developed and implemented for the whole magnetic field in a Lundell alternator. The essence of the new method is the combined use of the newly developed periodic boundary condition. This new method makes it practical to analyze magnetic fields and operating performance of a Lundell alternator which has truly three dimensional magnetic flux distributions. The results of the calculation well agreed with the measured values. The calculation makes it easy and clear to understand an armature reaction and partial magnetic saturation which have not been analyzed yet in detail.