Electrical and thermal analysis of an asynchronous machine for application in wind energy generation

The electromagnetic (electrical) and mechanical design of an Asynchronous machine for application in wind energy generation depends on the knowledge of heat transfer within the various parts of the machine. Unfortunately, the analysis of thermal effect in Asynchronous motors is usually more complex, more non-linear and more difficult than the electromagnetic behaviour This paper therefore, sets out to investigate the effect of coupling the electrical model with the thermal model of the machine. The results of the analysis show that the proposed coupled model is capable of predicting the stator phase currents, rotor bar temperature, stator windings temperature, heat losses, rotor speed and electromagnetic torque of the test machine under dynamic conditions and at rated load operation. The analysis finds application in wind energy generation especially when modified and applied, to synchronous generators. By so doing, the prediction of critical temperatures of machine parts can be achieved prior to machine operation.