AC Electric Analysis

AC Electric Analysis in EMWORKS

AC Electric analysis in EMWORKS solves low-frequency, sinusoidal electric fields in 2D and 3D conductors and dielectrics. It is used to compute voltages, currents, impedance, and AC losses in CAD-based geometries.

• AC electric field and potential distribution

• Current density and displacement current in conductors and dielectrics

• Basis for AC loss and electro-thermal studies in cables, busbars, insulation, and power components 

Key Features of EMWORKS' AC Electric Analysis

• Sinusoidal AC field solution: Solves low-frequency, sinusoidal electric fields in 2D and 3D conductors and dielectrics.

• Voltage, current and impedance: Computes voltage distribution, current density, and impedance of cables, busbars, terminations, and components.

• Harmonic and frequency sweeps: Supports frequency sweeps and harmonic studies to inspect impedance and power vs frequency.

• Field and stress in insulation: Electric field, potential, and stress in solid, liquid, and gas insulation for AC equipment.

• Electro-thermal coupling: Provides AC loss distributions as heat sources for coupled thermal analysis.
   

Applications and Devices for AC Electric Analysis

Typical use cases:

• Power cables and busbars – AC voltage drop, current sharing, impedance, and I²R losses.

• Terminations, joints, and connectors – local electric field, insulation stress, partial-discharge risk.

• LV/MV power distribution and switchgear – field and voltage distribution in insulation, clearances, and barriers.

• Transformers, reactors, and filters – terminal impedance, leakage paths, and dielectric stress under AC.

• Power electronics (inverters, converters, rectifiers) – AC side currents, voltages, and insulation requirements.

• AC machine windings and slots – electric field in slots, end-windings, and insulation systems.

• PCB and enclosure insulation – clearance/creepage checks and AC field distribution in housings and boards.

Results of EMWORKS' AC Electric Analysis

After an AC Electric analysis, the main output quantities include:

• Electric field $E$$E$ in V/m, Displacement field $D$$D$ in C/m², Current density $J$$J$ in A/m², Electric potential in V, Safety factor (field vs breakdown strength), Stored electric energy in J, Resistance in Ω, Capacitance in F