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Creating a VHDL-AMS model of a claw-pole alternator
Gallery spotlightMotors & generators
A VHDL-AMS model of a claw-pole alternator is created using the System Model Generator. VHDL-AMS is a format which can be read by many circuit and system simulators, including SystemVision from Mentor Graphics. The System Model Generator creates a Response Surface Model (RSM) of the claw-pole by driving MagNet to execute a number of static solves at different phase currents and rotor positions. This RSM is embedded in the VHDL-AMS file to create a component which is functionally equivalent to the original MagNet model, but which can be evaluated extremely quickly in a transient circuit simulation.
METHODS and RESULTS
SystemVision CIRCUIT
The claw-pole component is shown here in the SystemVision circuit. In SystemVision it is a simple matter to create this component from the VHDL-AMS file. The pins are automatically labeled from information in the file, and the model parameters, such as the number of turns in the windings, can be modified in a properties dialog. This simple circuit can be modeled in the Educational Version of SystemVision, which is available as a free download.
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CAPTURING NONLINEARITIES
This example has already been solved using Infolytica's Transient 3d with Motion solver, and the results of that analysis are shown in the Application page -- Simulating a claw-pole alternator in an automobile electrical system environment. The current shown here compares well with that simulation, in particular, note that the third harmonic content is clearly evident, showing that the RSM is capturing one of the essential properties of these machines: nonlinearities.
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DIODE SWITCHING BEHAVIOUR
The diode currents shown here also compare well with the full transient solution. The diode switching behavior can be difficult to simulate, the fact the two simulations give identical results is as much a verification of the transient solution as of the system simulator.
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PHASE VOLTAGES
The phase voltages are shown here. They are much smoother than their counterparts from the MagNet transient simulation, since the circuit simulator can afford to take much smaller time steps. Simulating this transient takes a few seconds in SystemVision, compared to many hours for the MagNet transient simulation.
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BATTERY RIPPLE VOLTAGE
One of the benefits of the VHDL-AMS model is the ease with which different operating conditions can be simulated. Shown here is the battery ripple voltage at 1500 rpm and 3000 rpm. In both cases the resistive load has been adjusted such that the battery itself has approximately zero current through it.
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DIODE BRIDGE BEHAVIOUR
At a lower speed (1500 rpm) the delta-connected diode bridge exhibits the behavior shown here. This result is obtained by simply editing the speed parameter in the claw-pole's property dialog. Another version of the claw-pole VHDL-AMS model has a separate mechanical terminal which allows an engine to drive the alternator at dynamically changing speeds.
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