Correction of homogenized lamination stacks via a subproblem finite element method

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a subproblem finite element method for progressive modeling of lamination stacks in magnetic cores, from homogenized solutions up to accurate eddy current distributions and losses.
Design/methodology/approach – The homogenization of lamination stacks, subject to both longitudinal and transversal magnetic fluxes, is first performed and is followed by local correction subproblems in certain laminations separately, surrounded by their insulating layers and the remaining laminations kept homogenized. The sources for the local corrections are originally defined via interface conditions to allow the coupling between homogenized and non-homogenized portions.
Findings – The errors proper to the homogenization model, which neglects fringing effects, can be locally corrected in some selected portions via local eddy current subproblems considering the actual geometries and properties of the related laminations. The fineness of the mesh can thus be concentrated in these portions, while keeping a coupling with the rest of the laminations kept homogenized.
Research limitations/implications – The method has been tested on a 2D case having linear material properties. It is however directly applicable in 3D. Its extension to the time domain with non-linear properties will be done.
Originality/value – The resulting subproblem method allows accurate and efficient calculations of eddy current losses in lamination stacks, which is generally unfeasible for real applications with a single problem approach. The accuracy and efficiency are obtained thanks to a proper refined mesh for each subproblem and the reuse of previous solutions to be locally corrected only acting in interface conditions. Corrections are progressively obtained up to accurate eddy current distributions in the laminations, allowing to improve the resulting global quantities: the Joule losses in the laminations, and the resistances and inductances of the surrounding windings.