Using SPICE with FEMM (Finite Element Method Magnetics)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of SPICE simulation with FEMM (Finite Element Method Magnetics) for modeling a custom generator. Participants explore the feasibility of simulating circuit components alongside electromagnetic modeling, particularly focusing on the output voltage, current, and power of the generator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Jason O describes using FEMM to model a generator with a spinning magnet and coil, seeking to incorporate SPICE for circuit simulation to analyze load voltage and current.
  • Some participants mention using LTspice with FEMM, suggesting a LookUp Table approach for modeling back EMF in solenoid applications.
  • There is a request for English translations of referenced works related to the integration of FEMM and SPICE.
  • One participant indicates plans to write an article in English on the topic, which may provide further insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express interest in the integration of SPICE and FEMM, but there is no consensus on the best approach or specific methodologies to achieve this integration. Multiple viewpoints and experiences are shared without a definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific applications and examples, but lacks detailed exploration of the assumptions or limitations of the proposed methods. The dependency on specific software capabilities and the nature of the generator's behavior under different loading conditions are also noted.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in electromagnetic modeling, circuit simulation, and those looking to integrate different simulation tools for engineering applications.

Jdo300
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Hello All,

Some of you may have heard of the freeware FEA program called FEMM written by David Meeker. It is used to simulate 2D electromagnetic geometries and also has an integrated LUA scripting host which allows script files to be written to automate the process.

I'm currently using FEMM to model and calculate the output voltage, current, and power of a custom generator model but I'm wondering if it is possible to use SPICE to simulate the circuit components of my model.

Basically, I'm starting with a very simple setup with a spinning magnet and a coil. The goal is that I want to simulate the load voltage and current from this coil, taking into account it's reactance and presumably non-sinusoidal output waveform. Right now, I can calculate the inductance of the coil, the output current, and induced voltage straight from the simulator outputs, but I would like to somehow input these values into the SPICE simulator to determine the load voltage, current, and phase shift. I'm modeling the output circuit of the generator as a voltage source with a series resistance, and inductance to represent the generator, and a resistive load for the output load.

The tricky part is that the source inductance also changes with the loading of the generator (which is why I'm considering using spice somehow). Has anyone ever worked with a situation like this before?

Thanks,
Jason O
 
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Yes, we use LTspice + FEMM (LookUp Table). Modeling Back EMF From Solenoid Valve.Ustroystvo as a black box. Examples http://www.magneticdon.narod.ru/Batishchev.pdf and http://www.magneticdon.narod.ru/Article_Batishchev_Pavlenko.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
kasandranas said:
Yes, we use LTspice + FEMM (LookUp Table). Modeling Back EMF From Solenoid Valve.Ustroystvo as a black box. Examples http://www.magneticdon.narod.ru/Batishchev.pdf and http://www.magneticdon.narod.ru/Article_Batishchev_Pavlenko.pdf

Welcome to the PF.

Are there any English language translations available of this work? It's probably of fairly limited usefulness in its current language/format.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Planned to write an article in English in the near future.
 
Thanks kasandranas,

When you do, please let me know, I would be very interested to see how you approached the problem.

- Jason O
 

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