Automatic generation of sizing models for the optimization of electromagnetic devices using reluctance networks

Models of electromagnetic devices using reluctance networks are very interesting, especially for sizing and optimization. Unfortunately, too often, designers do not use them because they are time consuming to implement, mainly for complicated aspects like the need to write and solve the network equations. We have developed a tool that automates all those symbolic and numeric tasks. We also generate software components that allow to use those models very efficiently in an optimization process by providing the formal right sensitivity. We present the methodology and software, as well as their application on examples. This paper proposes also an analysis of the global design and modeling process with a reluctance network that defines the relative place of the designer versus methodologies and tools. Index Terms--Design, optimization, reluctance network, static fields.