Purpose – The aim of the paper is to find the effective algorithms of electromagnetic torque calculation.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed algorithms are related to the analysis of electrical machines using the methods of equivalent magnetic networks. The presented permeance and reluctance networks are formulated using FE methods. Attention is paid to the algorithms of electromagnetic torque calculation for 3D models. The virtual work principle is applied. The principle is adapted to the discrete network models. The network representations of Maxwell's stress formula are given.Findings – The proposed method of electromagnetic torque calculation can be successfully applied in the 3D calculations of rotating electrical machines. It can be used for scalar and vector potential formulations. The obtained results and their comparison with the measurements show that the method is sufficiently accurate.Originality/value – The presented formulas of electromagnetic torque calculation are universal and can ...

The paper presents the design procedure and elaborated software for designing calculation of the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The thermo-mechanical behavior of a linear SMA actuator has been studied. The experimental set-up was especially designed to perform the thermo-mechanical characterization of SMA wires. The stroke (s) - temperature (T) hysteresis characteristics have been determined. The cycle of heating and cooling has been performed under a constant load. The model for the SMA actuator s - T behavior has been proposed and successfully implemented. The selected results and conclusions have been presented. The concept proposal of the linear actuator using the SMA wire has been given.

This paper presents an automatic water exchange system designed for a freshwater aquarium. The automatic water exchange system (AWES) was developed to improve the aquarist’s work. Replacement of water in an aquarium is one of the basic maintenance activities and should be performed regularly. In case the process of pouring in and out of the water itself requires a lot of time and strength from the aquarist, the automation of this operation is proposed. The automatic water exchange system consists of a water discharge system, a water filling system, and a security system. Additionally, to simplify user operation, a dedicated mobile application for the Android system has been created. The developed AWES system allows for regular changing of water in aquariums as well as enables effective and simple control of water flow and temperature.

The paper presents the numerical and experimental investigations of the axisymmetric magnetostrictive actuator with a Terfenol-D rod. The applied model consists of equations that describe the magnetic and mechanical displacement fields. The equations of both fields are coupled through a nonlinear magneto-mechanical constitutive law. The model is considered as 2D axisymmetric. The finite element method is used to solve the field equations. Special attention is paid to the proper definition of magneto-mechanical relations. These relations are formed from measurements. A unique test stand is designed for the experimental investigation. The selected results of the simulation are compared with the measurement results. The comparison shows that the applied numerical model is sufficiently accurate.

One of the main challenges in the operation of electric traction vehicles is ensuring safety and operational reliability. To ensure the safety of railway traffic, vehicles must undergo a series of tests related to the investigation of disturbances generated, among others, in the return current to the mains. This problem is further complicated by the inability to perform such measurements under laboratory conditions. The implementation of tests under real conditions determines the appearance of additional potential interference sources, from power sources to improper interactions between current collectors and the overhead contact system, and it requires strict compliance with regulatory standards and the implementation of standardized testing procedures. This article presents issues related to the investigation and analysis of the electromagnetic compatibility of rolling stock with train detection systems using track circuits. The aim of these tests is to determine the harmonic components in the traction current in relation to the permissible levels specified in the latest editions of the European Railway Agency—ERA/ERTMS/033281 version 5.0 documents and Annex S-02 to the List of the President of the Office of Rail Transport. The measurement methodology and test procedures are presented in detail with respect to current legal requirements.

This paper demonstrates how the 3D edge element method can be applied to the analysis of permanent magnet motors. The edge element method using the vector magnetic potential has been used. Special attention has been paid to the analysis of systems with inhomogeneously magnetized permanent magnets. The magnets are not skewed and are mounted on a cylindrical laminated rotor. Calculations have been performed for different magnet widths and different distribution of the magnetization vector. Brushless motors with radially and inhomogeneously magnetized magnets have been compared.