Simulation and Experimental Validation of a 1.5 kW Three-Phase Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor using Finite Element Analysis

Onwe Peter Daffin, Patrick Otubu Odu, Lehiowo Obojor-Ogar

Abstract


This study examines the rated-load performance of a 1.5 kW, three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor using finite element analysis and experimental measurements. The motor was modelled in ANSYS Motor-CAD using its geometry, winding arrangement, material properties, and rated operating conditions. The simulation was used to study the motor response during starting and at steady state. MATLAB was used to process and plot the simulation results. The parameters considered were the three-phase stator currents, electromagnetic torque, rotor speed, torque-speed characteristic, efficiency, and power factor. Experimental measurements were taken from the motor at a supply voltage of 380 V and compared with the simulation results. The simulated RMS currents for Phases A, B, and C were 3.734 A, 3.737 A, and 3.743 A, respectively, giving an average current of 3.738 A. The simulated electromagnetic torque was 10.014 Nm, while the steady-state speed was 1429 rpm. At 380 V, the measured currents were 3.70 A, 3.68 A, and 3.86 A for Phases A, B, and C, respectively, with an average current of 3.75 A and a measured speed of 1427 rpm. The differences between the simulated and measured currents were 0.92%, 1.55%, and 3.03%, respectively, while the difference in speed was 0.21%. The small differences between the measured and simulated values show that the Motor-CAD model gives a reasonable representation of the motor's electromagnetic performance at rated load. 


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