METHODS ENRICHING POWER & ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS (MEPED'13)

April 12th, 2013

ISSN:-2230-7850

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

OPTIMISATION OF THREE PHASE SQUIRREL

CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

KRISHNAMOORTHY , ABIRAMI.RA AND ANITHA.A

EEE
Agni college of Technology Chennai , India.

Abstract:
Optimisation is the process of finding an alternative with the most cost effective
or highest achievable performance under the given constraints, by maximizing desired
factors and minimizing undesired ones. Three-phase cage rotor induction motors are
widely used in industrial drives because they are rugged, reliable and economical. In
this paper an optimized design of three phase squirrel cage IM using Genetic Algorithms
(GA), with cost as objective, has been considered for 11KW motors. Out of more than
140 variables concerning the electrical and magnetic circuits of the machine, eleven
parameters having predominating influence on the cost and performance of the motor
have been identified as basic independent variables while the other parameters are
either referred in terms of the 11 parameters or treated as fixed for a particular problem.
The constraint functions are expressed in terms of the equivalent circuit parameters
which in turn are evaluated in terms of the eleven independent variables. The initial
values of the basic variables have been chosen through calculations ensuring that no
constraint has been violated. The cost function is constructed by considering the cost of
electrical conducting and magnetic materials. In the optimization process using GA, a
software Xl bit, used as Add-In in MSEXCEL 2007, has been used. Computer
simulations have been carried out and the design has been tested with three different
selection / cross over methods: Elitism, Roulette Wheel, and Tournament Selection. All
the three methods produced almost identical optimized cost. It has been observed that
optimization using GA results in an approximate saving of 23 % for the 11KW motor on
the total cost of materials. The research work has confirmed once again the supremacy of
GA in the design optimization problem, over the other conventional optimization
techniques.
KEYWORDSCostOptimization, Xl bit, Elitism, Tournament Selection, Roulette Wheel.
I.INTRODUCTION
Optimization is the act of obtaining the best result under given circumstances [5]. Optimization of
electric machines is making trade-off between different objectives such as a particular item of performance,
cost of device or quality or reliability.Optimization can be done with single objective or multi objective. In
either case, optimization process shall include, if any, the constraints imposed in the system. If the
optimization is done for any one of the parameters such as cost, efficiency, volume of material used, torque,
starting current etc. associated with the system then it is a single objective optimization problem. If two or
more of the parameters are involved in the optimization process then it is a multi objective optimization
problem. In single objective optimization, the parameter of importance will be identified as objective

Indian Streams Research Journal

OPTIMISATION OF THREE PHASE SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

function f(X) and optimized.Of late, the advent of high-speed digital computers has enabled the
implementation of analysis, synthesis and optimization of electrical machine design to satisfy certain
specification constraints. In the design of electrical machinery using computers, the concepts of two
commonly acceptable approaches to machine design namely, analytical method and synthesis method were
practiced initially. Thereafter, a third method, referred to as Hybrid method, combines the advantages of
these methods and is widely practiced. The design of electrical machines consists essentially of the solution
of many complex and diverse engineering problems and normally these problems are loosely interrelated.
The aim of optimization in the design of electrical machines is to choose the best solution for a given
problem from the multitude of possible solutions. The optimization process, therefore, involves the choice
of various variables in such a manner that the design in regard to a particular feature is the best, and at the
same time satisfies all limitations and constraints imposed on its performance. Hence, optimization is the
collectiveprocess of finding a set of conditions required toachieve the best results from a given situation.
Normally, the objective of study in most of the industrial problems is carried out on optimization within an
economic framework. A characteristic feature of optimization in the design of electrical machines is the
presence of conflicting or opposing influences e.g. cost and performance. The best design will be obtained
by the compromise of important factors.Among the various types of electrical machines, Induction
Motor(IM) is the most widely used in domestic,commercial and various industrial applications. The
squirrel cage type of IM is characterized by its simplicity, robustness and low cost, which has always made
it very attractive, and hence widely finds a leading place in industrial sectors. As a result of its extensive use
in the industry, cost optimization of IM through a better design becomes a major concern.IM design
optimization is a problem in non-linear programming solved by the method of Sequential Unconstrained
Minimization Technique (SUMT) [6]. In SUMT, the constrained optimization problem is converted into a
series of unconstrained problems in the following manner: The augmented function at the beginning of kth
iteration is
P k (X) = F (X) + R k 1/ (g i (X)), R k>0 .(1)
F(X) is the cost function. The sigma term, called the penalty term, is to ensure that during the
minimization process no constraint is violated. Optimization algorithms can be classified into two
categories: Deterministic and Stochastic. The deterministic algorithms seek the minimum point by using
the gradient of the objective function. The algorithm efficiency depends on several factors, e.g., starting
point, accuracy of the descent direction evaluation, and method used to execute the line search as well as the
stopping criteria. The algorithm in general searches a point of local optimum, which could also be the global
optimum if the function is unimodal. The drawbacks of the deterministic methods are the need of the
gradient evaluations and lack of guarantee on obtaining the global optimum [9]. This is not exactly the
desired behaviour necessary for an optimization algorithm, which generally requires high probability of
finding the global optimum and fast convergence speed. The direct search methods of conventional
optimization methods are usually deterministic while the GAs, invented by John Holland, is stochastic in
nature. The stochastic algorithms have the following advantages:
Gradient evaluation is not required
High probability of finding global optimum is achieved
Initial position is independent of the solution.
GA mimics the principles of natural genetics and natural selection to constitute search and
optimization procedure. It is a problem solving method that uses genetics as its model of problem solving.
The wide range of applications that have appeared since the arrival of the techniques proves that GA,
indeed, is a powerful in solving complicated problems the way nature does [4]. However it has a
disadvantage of requiring highest number of objective function computations than that of the deterministic
method [13]. The genetic algorithm implementation steps are shown as follows
Step 1: Define parameter and objective function
Step 2: Generate first population at random
Step 3: Evaluate population by objective function
Step 4: Test convergence. If satisfied then stop else continue.
Step 5: Start reproduction process (Selection, Crossover, and Mutation)
Step 6: New generation. To continue the optimization, return to step 3.

OPTIMISATION OF THREE PHASE SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

RELATED WORKS
A powerful tool for the optimal design of induction motor, an Evolutionary Algorithm, which uses
binary encoding, Roulette wheel selection, single-point crossover, bit mutation, and elitism has been
carried out [11]. The results obtained for a realistic device such as the induction motor presented
substantiate the usefulness of evolutionary optimization methods in electromagnetic device.
In the Design Optimization of Electric Motors by Genetic Algorithm [2], binary encoding has
been used. A comparison between GA and classical hill-climbing direct-search method has been
performed. This comparison showed the GA to carry out more iterations than conventional techniques.
However, the GA is able of finding global optimum and avoiding local, being the major advantage of the
GA compared to more classical techniques. Another property of the GA is that there is no need for a good
initial point to start the optimization from. The choice of setting process parameters, like crossover
probability and mutation rate has been explored and the findings support the previous discussed effects
these parameters have on the performed search.
In the Design optimization of three-phase induction motors by using genetic algorithm [3], torque
of the motor has been chosen as the objective function.The design is based on binary encoding, Roulette
wheel selection, single-point crossover, bit mutation and it has been observed that the Gas offer advantages
over other approaches.
In recent years, GA has been recognized as a potent tool in design optimization of electrical
machinery [3]. GA improves the performance by finding the global optimum [13]. In the most general
sense, GA-based optimization is a stochastic search method that involves the random generation of
potential design solutions and then systematically [7] evaluates and refines the solutions until a stopping
criterion is met [1]. Each iteration consists of selection, reproduction, evaluation and replacement.
In the recent works connected with Gas in the design optimization of Electrical Machinery, it has
been observed that the GA locate the global optimum region faster than the conventional direct search
optimization techniques [10,12]
MATERIALS AND METHOD
The aim of this paper is to give a further contribution in the optimized design of a three phase IM
with cost as objective function. GA having feature of a unique search is then used for optimization process.
In this paper, design optimization of three phase IM has been presented with cost as objective function
(Single objective optimization), for 11kw motors. The specifications of 11kw motor designed are as
follows: Input Voltage 440 V, 50Hz., 3-Phase; No. of Poles 6; 1000 rpm; star connected; Stator steel,
Rotor -copper .
IM design optimization is a problem in non-linear programming. A general non-linear
programming problem can be stated mathematically as given in Eq. (2).
Find X = (X1, X2, Xn) such that
F(X) is a minimum & g i(X)

for i = 1..n

(2)

X is a set of independent variable concerning the electrical and magnetic circuits of the machine.
Out of more than 140 variables concerning the electrical and magnetic circuits of the machine, only some
have a predominating influence on the cost and performance of the motor [8]. In the design under
consideration, 11 parameters which have a predominating influence on the cost and performance of the
motor are considered as independent variables. Other parameters are either referred in terms of these 11
parameters or treated as fixed for a particular problem. All lengths are expressed in metres and air gap flux
density in Tesla. The constraint functions are expressed in terms of the equivalent circuit parameters which
in turn are expressible in terms of the eleven independent variables. The initial values of these variables
have been chosen through calculations ensuring that no constraint has been violated. The function to be
minimized is formed by considering the cost of electrical conducting and magnetic materials. The design
procedure followed conventionally has been adopted. The motor design procedure consists of a system of
non linear equations which evaluates the various parameters associated in the design without violating the
constraints imposed. The initial values of basic variables & the constraints imposed in the design are given
in Table 1 and Table 2 respectively.

OPTIMISATION OF THREE PHASE SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

Table 1: Independent Variables and their Initial Values

Motor
11Kw
Rating
Description
Basic
Initial
variable

Values

Stator Bore Diameter

X1

0.254

Stator Stack Length

X2

0.133

Depth of Stator slot

X3

0.029

Width of Stator slot

X4

0.0085

Depth of Stator core

X5

0.03

Depth of Rotor slot

X6

0.013

Width of Rotor slot

X7

0.013

Air gap flux density

X8

0.45

End ring depth

X9

0.015

End ring width

X10

0.01

Air gap length

X11

0.00057

Table 2: Constraints Imposed

Motor Rating

11Kw

Constraints

Magnitude

Starting Current

= 66A

Starting Torque

= 42 N m

Pull-out Torque

= 150 N m

Full Load Slip

= 0.05

Full Load

= 80 C

Temperature Rise
Full Load Power
Factor

= 0.85

The function to be minimized is F, formed by considering the cost of electrical conducting and
magnetic materials. For cost calculations, cost of Iron (Steel) and Copper have been taken as Rs. 50 and
Rs.520 per Kilogram respectively. F is the summation of costs of Stampings, Stator Copper and Rotor
Materials. In the design optimization process using GA, software Xl bit [14], used as Add-In in
MSEXCEL 2007, has been used. It is GA based optimization software mimicking the evolution of life. It is
known that this evolution of life operates on chromosomes. GA using simple manipulations
ofchromosomes such as encoding and reproduction mechanism has proved to be very effective in

OPTIMISATION OF THREE PHASE SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

optimization applications. It is widely used in image processing, criminal suspects' recognition, job shop
optimization etc.
Actual steps of this algorithm are:
An initial population of random solutions is created.
A fitness value is then assigned to each individual based on its evaluation to the current problem
Individuals or Chromosomes with a higher fitness values are selected to parent new solutions during
reproduction
The new off-springs are then set to replace the old, thus a generation is completed.
Return to step b to d until the population is converged.
Prior to running this optimization software, Cost function and the constraints are set in the respective fields
and the test set up is adjusted according to the needs.
The procedure carried out is described in the following steps..
Step 1: Calculation of Initial values of the independent variables
Step 2: Evaluation of Equivalent Circuit Parameters
Step 3: Evaluation of Constraints
Step 4: Check for constraint violation. If any constraint is violated go to step 1.
Step5: Enter the test Set up (population, generation, mutation rate etc), in the software Xl bit to the
requirements. Also choose the type of selection and cross over method to be adopted.
Step 6: Carry out the optimization process using the software Xl bit
The test setup used (refer step 5) is as follows: Population: 100, Generation: 50 (up to 250
considered), Variable type: Non Integer, Crossover Rate: 0.7, Mutation rate: 0.002 and Fitness Scale:
Linear Normalize. To ensure meaningful results, variation of the basic variables has been restricted in the
range of 0.9 to 1.1, compared to their initial values [14]. The design has been tested with three different
selection / cross over methods: Elitism, Roulette Wheel, and Tournament Selection. Screen display of the
optimization set up in Xl bit is shown in Fig. 1

Fig1: optimization setup

The generated report at the end of the GA optimization process is given in Fig. 2

OPTIMISATION OF THREE PHASE SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

41400.84273

Target Cell:
Population

100

Generation

350

Crossover %

0.7
Elitism
(Recommended)

Crossover Method
Mutation Rate

0.000002

Fitness Scaling

Linear Normalize

Best Fitness

1.995859916

Least Fit

1.9955415

Figure 2 Generated report at the end of the optimization process

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Computer simulated results have been tabulated for analysis. Optimized results of basic variables
are shown in Table 3. Optimized costs of each material used and total cost are shown in Table 4. (All Costs in
Rs.).

11Kw Motor
Basic
Variables

Selection / Cross Over Methods

Initial
Value

Elitism

0.254

X2

0.2413

Tournament
Selection
0.2286

Roulette
Wheel
0.2317

0.133

0.1197

0.133

0.1267

X3

0.029

0.0261

0.0261

0.0261

X4

0.0085

0.00765

0.00765

0.00765

X1

OPTIMISATION OF THREE PHASE SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

X5

0.03

0.02926

0.03

0.03

X6

0.013

0.0117

0.0117

0.0117

X7

0.006

0.0057

0.0054

0.006

X8

0.45

0.4917

0.4921

0.4916

X9

0.015

0.0135

0.0165

0.015

X10

0.01

0.009

0.01099

0.01

X11

0.00057

0.000627

0.00063

0.000629

11Kw Motor
Cost with
Initial
Values in
Rs.

Selection / Cross Over Methods

Tournament Roulette
Elitism
Selection
Wheel

Cost of
Steel
Cost of
Copper

3017.73

2439.55

2444.37

2374

52054

39989.04

39465.71

39226

Total Cost

55072

42428.6

41910.08

41600

% of Initial
total cost

100 %

77.04%

77.04 %

77.04 %

Description

Analysis of Results:It has been found that the design tested with three different selection / cross
over methods, Elitism, Roulette Wheel, and Tournament Selection, produced almost identical optimized
cost. From the simulated results, it has been observed that due to the optimization process, the cost of the
motor has reduced to 77 % of the initial cost, thereby saving approximately 23 % on the cost of materials for
the 11 Kw motor. The research work has confirmed once again the supremacy of GA in the design
optimization problem, over the other conventional optimization techniques.
CONCLUSION
From the results it is observed that GA is better than the conventional optimization techniques. In
recent years, GA has been recognized as potent tool in design optimization of electrical machinery. Further
progress in the research work combining conventional Optimization techniques and GA approach may
produce better results for the design optimization problem under consideration. The optimization process
has been carried out with a single objective function, i.e., cost as objective. Parameters other than cost my
also be considered and optimized. Further, multi-objective optimization may also be carried out with
suitable changes in the objective function.
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