Thermal Modeling of PMSG Generator for Gas Turbine Applications

Objective: A customized high speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) is designed for military applications. Thermal analysis is essential to improve the system utility during operating conditions, prevent overheating, insulation breakdown and demagnetization of magnets. Method: A thermal network model is proposed to analyze and estimate the temperature rise of the customized high speed, six phase PMSG for its design specifications. The detailed thermal model is analyzed and the thermal resistance values are obtained. The simplified model is obtained considering significant sections of the machine where the losses cause rise in temperature. Results: The thermal resistances in the thermal model are calculated based on the dimensions of the customized PMSG. The temperatures variations in the significant parts of the machine are calculated. Conclusion: The thermal values estimated are within the thermal limits for the selected class of insulation and design specifications.