Experimental Verification versus Simulation

Organizers

Peter Wung, Adjunct Professor, University of Dayton

Abstract

A fundamental issue that is inherent in engineering work regards how we can verify our theoretical calculations. For some applications, prototyping is relatively convenient, and the experimental results are preferred as proof that the theory is correct, but in the motor and drives world, while some prototyping is possible — most of those cases involve smaller machines and lower power drives as well as less demanding measurement accuracy; but electric machines and drives testing generally become more expensive and time consuming as the machine and drive rating increases, which require massive resources in terms of hardware, software, and manufacturing expertise to conduct valid experiments with confidence. In this era of powerful computational capabilities, many simulations tools have developed to the point where the accuracy of the simulation results have grown and the time it takes to do these simulation calculations have minimized over the years. Complex analysis of interconnected systems can also be done in a timelier manner, and the development of HIL has made the simulation environment more flexible and more realistic. Ultimately, the question is whether the simulation results are trustworthy enough to be accepted as the proof of the proposed technical solution and design? Has the simulation software attained a level of accuracy which matches and/or surpasses the accuracy of experimental results?

Short Bio of Organizers

Prof. Wung is an adjunct professor at the University of Dayton, specializing in the fields of Electrical Energy, Renewable Energy, Power Systems, and Electric Machines and Drives. He is the Chair of the IEEE Smart Grid Program and the Educator-In-Chief of the IEEE Smart Grid Academy.

Prof. Wung has over 25 years of industry experience in the electric motor and drives industry. Specializing in the areas of electric motor analysis, design, and manufacturing for GE Aviation, Regal Beloit Corporation EPC, AO Smith Electrical Products Company, Tecumseh Products Research Laboratory, Emerson Motor Company, and TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company.

He was awarded his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a Senior member of the IEEE.

Speakers and Presentations

Panelists:

  • Ayman EL-Refaie, Professor, Marquette University
  • Andy Knight, Professor, University of Calgary
  • Mike Degner, Ford
  • Joel Van Sicke, MathWorks
  • Sudipta Chakraborty, Director – Energy Systems, OpalRT
  • Takeshi Yamada, JMAG
  • Avoki Omekanda, General Motors Global R&D Center

First session topics

  • Discussion on testing accuracy (measurement, stackup, numerical specifications).
  • Discussion on simulation accuracy (modelling errors, computation errors, stackup).
  • How to determine testing accuracy.
  • How to determine simulation accuracy.
  • Calibration issues.
  • Uncertainties.

Second session topics

  • Open discussion on open questions:
  • At what point can simulation results be considered adequate to testing during the intermediate steps of the R&D cycle? If ever?
  • At what point can simulations results be considered adequate to replace testing as the final proof of verification prior to manufacture, if ever?
  • At which stage during the R&D cycle should simulation results be adequate to push the R&D timeline forward?
  • How to determine the optimal way of employing simulation and experimentation in a product R & D cycle? In a research cycle?
  • Reviewer discretion: when should reviewers insist on experimental results?