Engineering Electrodynamics: Electric Machine, Transformer, and Power Equipment Design

Book Preface

Modern industrial engineering, especially its scientific management, is based on principles of mechatronics (J. Turowski [1.20]). These principles consist mainly of simple tools of rapid design and development, based on sophisticated, comprehensive fundamental researches. One such tool is the expert approach, which among others consists of a knowledge base and software. The knowledge base is created by a knowledge expert in a given field of knowledge and software is prepared by the knowledge engineer.

The more knowledge that is implemented into the knowledge base, the simpler, faster, and more economical is the resulting design tool. This book presents theoretical and practical materials for the creation and use of an effective knowledge base for design in electrical engineering.

Generally, in engineering, there are two main paths of design:

1. Development and building of machines or systems
2. Motion and dynamics of the system

For the development and building of machines and systems, the theories different physical fields and material science are basic scientific tools.

Nowadays, the design of motion and dynamics is supported by software packages, such as Saber (http://www.synopsys.com/Systems/Saber/Pages/default.aspx, J. Turowski [1.20]).

However, as A. H. Jasinski [1.4] rightly said: “A considerable interest is now . . . to ensure shortening of ‘time to market’ for new product development . . . to reduce time lag . . . and minimize development costs.” It is briefly expressed as “rapid design” (J. Turowski [1.4], p. 192 and Fig. 1.1).

There are a number of computer methods of modeling and simulation of design processes. However, the most user-friendly, fast and low-priced have proven to be two basic methods:

1. For development and building—a flow network method, FNM-3D, confirmed
by the worldwide success of the authors’ RNM-3D (reluctance network method, three-dimensional) software package, implemented and used broadly in over 40 transformer industry institutions all over the world.

2. For motion—the author’s “Hamilton” package [1.20], based on the variational Hamilton’s principle of least action, a generalized theory of electromechanical energy conversion, the Euler–Lagrange equation, and the Lagrange state function. Both these design methods can provide a solution within seconds for each design variant, whereas other sophisticated numerical packages (e.g., finite element method, FEM-3D) require much more time and effort for almost the same solution. All this can be included in a mechatronics philosophy and technology.

To deal with the rapidly developing modern theory of electrical engineering, current engineers need to be good in mathematics as well as electrical engineering. They should understand well the physical phenomena and be able to use this knowledge in their professional work. The technical universities in many countries adapt their curricula to meet these requirements.

One such discipline, especially interesting for research, development, and design engineers, is the applied, macroscopic Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetic fields.

There still exists a gap between advanced electrical theories and their practical application in industry. The objective of engineering electrodynamics, which is considered a scientific discipline, is to reduce this gap.

Electrodynamics is the science describing the motion of matter, that is, fields, energy, charges, bodies, and media, under the influence of forces acting in electric and magnetic fields.

Classical electrodynamics (Jackson [2.10]) is a theory of electrodynamics. It is a part of physics, based on pure basic laws, and somewhat abstract mathematical assumptions.