Controllable Magnetic Cores for Transformers and Electrical Machines

Ferromagnetic cores are used in transformers and electrical machines to allow producing a large magnetic flux with a small electric current.

These cores have been traditionally designed for guiding a predefined magnetic flux to a predefined location, leaving them uninvolved with the actual control of the energy conversion process.

As the consequence, there are millions of power and distribution transformers and variable-speed electrical motors in the EU alone whose performance, compactness and robustness are limited due to need of complex mechanical arrangements or excessive current and voltage requirements.SMARTMAG will advance the transition towards active and smart magnetics, where the magnetic cores themselves take a key role in controlling the magnitude and distribution of magnetic fields in transformers and electrical machines.

Starting from the fundamental principles of varying the reluctance of ferromagnetic flux paths by direct current biasing and voltage-controlled magnetoelectric composites, we will demonstrate unprecedented methods for tuning three-phase transformers and synchronous motors during the operation, significantly improving their performance and simplifying their construction compared to existing solutions.

We have identified four scientifically novel and industrially relevant target applications two transformers and two electrical machines whose conceptualization, design, manufacturing and validation form the overarching goal of the project.

Our three objectives aim to push the relevant nonlinear and multiphysics material models beyond the state-of-the-art, implement them in customized numerical design tools for transformers and electrical machines and to validate the feasibility of the four concepts by working prototypes in laboratory conditions.As the result, new methods will arise for reducing outdated auxiliary devices and enabling new functionalities in power delivery as well as designing improved motors for electric drives.