Case Study: UQM Technologies achieves faster, more accurate 3-D motor winding inductance modeling with ANSYS Emag in Workbench

UQM Technologies - Customer Case Study

UQM Technologies, a U.S. developer and manufacturer of energy‑efficient, power‑dense electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers, faced the challenge of modeling motor winding inductance in full 3‑D: complex end‑turn geometry and features that 2‑D tools cannot capture made accurate inductance prediction and quick turnaround difficult. To address this, UQM used ANSYS Electromagnetics Solution—specifically ANSYS Emag in Workbench with the DesignModeler winding tool.

ANSYS implemented a 3‑D inductance analysis workflow in Workbench, using the DesignModeler winding tool to rapidly generate the complicated winding geometry and Emag to solve the electromagnetic problem; the approach integrated easily with thermal and structural environments for full virtual prototyping. The ANSYS solution delivered more accurate winding inductance (including end‑turn effects), significantly reduced modeling time versus creating a solid model, and enabled faster design iterations to meet UQM’s motor performance requirements.

UQM Technologies

Josh Ley

Program Manager/Motor Design Engineer