Modeling and Analysis of Electromagnetic Coupling Between Electric Propulsion System Components 2011-01-0756

The engineering of electric propulsion systems requires time and cost efficient methodologies to determine system characteristics as well as potential component integration issues. A significant part of this analysis is the identification of the electromagnetic fields present in the propulsion system. Understanding of the electromagnetic fields during system operation is a significant design consideration due to the use of components that require large current(s) and high voltage(s) in the proximity of other control system items (such as sensors) that operate with low current(s) and voltage(s). Therefore, it is critical to quantify the electromagnetic fields produced by these components within the design and how they may interact with other system components. Often overlooked (and also extremely important) is an evaluation of how the overall system architecture can generate or react to electromagnetic fields (which may be a direct result of packaging approaches). In addition, accurate physical measurement and mapping of electromagnetic fields can be extremely difficult both at the component and system level. This is complicated by the need to test, capture, and diagnose component interactions in the presence of other system characteristics. Analyses using finite element and conserved system simulation can be very effective in determining the most important test measurement and test activities to facilitate efficient and effective system engineering.