Effective modeling for the analysis of high-speed electric machines

An interview with PhD candidate MARKO MERDZAN

Question 1:

In 100 or less words, summarise the most relevant outcome from your research and how this could impact society. Please write your answer in terms that would be understandable to a broader general audience.

My research deals with the modeling methodology that allows predicting the behavior of very-high-speed electric machines (with the rotational speed exceeding 200 000 revolutions per minute) in a computationally much more efficient manner than the commonly used numerical approaches. The proposed methodology can be effectively used to analyze the performance of high-speed electric machines and as a design tool for parameter variation analysis. The developed approach concerns not only the electric machine but also the influence of the power electronics converter used to supply the machine.

Question 2:

What was the most significant finding from your research, and what aspects turned out to be most important to you?

The most significant finding is an effective modeling approach for the analysis of highspeed electric machines operating at very high speeds. This approach allows to get deep insights into electromagnetic interactions and the operational principles of these machines.

Question 3:

What was your motivation to work on this research project?

My motivation to work on this project was a desire to extend my understanding of electromagnetic interactions occurring in this specific class of electric machines, as well as to test the obtained findings experimentally.

Question 4:

What was the greatest obstacle that you met on the PhD journey?

A very challenging aspect of this research was building the test setup for the very highspeed electric machines (240 000 revolutions per minute), as well as the development of experimental methods for verification of the developed models.

Question 5:

What did you learn about yourself during your PhD research journey? Did you develop additional new skills over the course of the PhD research?

Next to boosting my analytical skills and my understanding of electric motors and generators, during my research, I had a good opportunity to expand my understanding of the academic community.

Question 6:

What are your plans for after your PhD research?

Since I already work as a docent, I plan to continue working at TU/e and proceed with my current research and teaching activities.

Title of PhD thesis: Electromagnetic Analysis of High-Speed Permanent Magnet Machines. Supervisors: Prof. Elena Lomonova, and Dr. Dave Krop.