Analysis of skewed slots in induction machines by using 2D finite element method

Electrical machine slots cause an undesirable effect on the m.mf. wave in the airgap. This effect consists of the occurrence of high frequency harmonics. When the rotor turns, the movement of rotor slots in relation to the stator slots produces cycle variations in the magnetic circuit reluctance. This effect results in high frequency harmonics in the current wave spectrum: Simultaneously high frequency harmonics torques appear. These are known as slot harmonics. To avoid slot harmonics, both in the rotor and in the stator slots, the slots are skewed. When this technique is used, the simplified hypothesis of the finite element model (FEM) in 2D cannot be employed, as it is based on the concept that the magnetic field possesses translational symmetry along the machine shaft. In this paper a method for analysing electrical machines with skewed slots is presented without using the 3D analysis.