Global technology leader Siemens has introduced its groundbreaking Simcenter E-Machine Design software, aiming to expedite the design innovation of compact and reliable motors for electric vehicles (EVs). In response to the burgeoning demand for sustainable transportation, Siemens addresses the challenges and complexities faced by the EV industry, particularly in the design of thermally efficient axial flux motors.
Challenges in Electric Vehicle Design:
Efficiency and reliability are paramount in developing motors for electric vehicles, directly impacting factors such as mileage, power, and torque density. Siemens recognizes the significance of addressing these challenges to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving EV market. Axial flux motors, an emerging form of EV motor promising increased range, pose specific hurdles related to heat dissipation and accommodating required air gaps within their compact and complex structures.
The overall process of designing axial flux motors involves conceptualization, electromagnetic simulation, thermal management, prototyping, performance testing, and iterative refinement. This multifaceted approach often results in heightened development costs and extended time-to-market, hindering manufacturers from meeting market demands in a timely manner.
Innovating Electric Vehicle Motor Design:
To overcome these challenges, Siemens has launched the Simcenter E-Machine Design software. This revolutionary tool integrates electromagnetic and thermal simulation, enabling precise prediction of electrical machine performance. The software’s versatility empowers users to choose from different EMAG experiments at various design stages, streamlining the experimentation process and reducing reliance on physical prototypes.
One standout feature is the smart virtual sensing capability, allowing test engineers to replicate challenging conditions by integrating simulation with physical testing. This feature enables the placement of virtual sensors in complex geometries or challenging locations, facilitating real-time data collection alongside physical tests. By combining data from physical strain gauges with a reduced-order model, engineers can compute operational loading conditions and obtain results from otherwise unreachable virtual sensors.
Simcenter 3D, another component of the software suite, introduces design space exploration, automating parameter adjustments, model updates, and result reviews. This functionality streamlines tradeoff analysis and optimization, eliminating the need for manual input and expediting the design refinement process.
Electric Vehicles Transforming the Future:
Siemens’ Simcenter E-Machine Design emerges as a crucial tool in enhancing efficiency and reliability in next-generation motor designs, contributing to the ongoing transformation of electric vehicles. As the global prevalence of electric vehicles continues to rise, innovative technologies like Simcenter have the potential to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and shaping a sustainable future. Siemens’ commitment to addressing challenges in EV design aligns with the industry’s broader goal of creating a greener and more environmentally conscious transportation landscape.