Characterization of electrical steel grades for direct application to electrical machine design tools

In this paper, the importance of using directly measured loss figures is emphasized, as an alternative to the traditional loss estimation approach. The traditional approach that requires only a few direct measurements but demands more attention towards loss coefficients, empirical factors and design margins, renders a modern machine uncompetitive due to its complex flux picture. Measured loss data for two electrical steel grades is collected and provided for a wide range of frequencies and polarization levels (6–10 kHz, 0.1–1.8 T). The effect of, sample orientation (the cutting direction), sample dimensions (the cutting length) and sample production (the cutting process) on the loss figures is also measured and documented for the studied frequency–polarization domain. The aim of this measurement-based approach is to help reduce some of the uncertainties associated with the traditional approach and thus the design margins.