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Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control,...
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Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation

A special issue of Electronics (ISSN 2079-9292). This special issue belongs to the section "Power Electronics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2025) | Viewed by 14838

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Omid Beik

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Electrical Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Interests: renewable power and energy systems; space power systems; electric propulsion systems; power electronics; electric machines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Electric machines play an important role in modern civilization with increasing applications in the electrification industry (EVs), aerospace, renewable energy systems (such as wind turbines), robotics, automation, and appliances. Each application has specific needs, with the power density, efficiency, fault tolerance, and reliability being among top features sought across different applications. To respond to the increasing needs of electric machines, research on the design, modelling, control, and operation of machines has increased in the past decade. Magnetic design, thermal analyses, new control techniques, and modelling approaches are being studied in different corners of academia and industry.

We have organized this Special Issue to cover all aspects of electric machines, including but not limited to:

  • Design, modelling, control, and operation of electric machines covering all types including induction machines, permanent magnet machines, switch reluctance machines, hybrid machines, and multiphase machines.
  • A wide range of applications, including renewable energy systems (wind turbines), power systems (synchronous generators), hybrid- and all-electric aircrafts, robotics and automation, and appliances.
  • Studies of electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical aspects of electric machines as well as packaging and manufacturing.
  • We are seeking both original research as well as review papers.

Dr. Omid Beik
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Electronics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • control of electric machines
  • electric machine design
  • PM machine
  • PMSM
  • synchronous generators
  • wind turbine generators
  • aerospace machines
  • drives

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5955 KiB  
Article
Characteristics Improvement of Brushless Doubly-Fed Wind Turbine Generator with Minimized Asymmetric Phenomena
by Yongjiang Jiang, Kejie Wang, Lingkang Zhou, Wenfeng Zhang and Zhen Hu
Electronics 2025, 14(8), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14081649 - 19 Apr 2025
Viewed by 183
Abstract
Compared with the traditional brushless doubly-fed generator (BDFG), the BDFG with double stator (BDFG-DS) architecture achieves enhanced configurability by physically decoupling the power and control windings onto independent stator assemblies. The design offers benefits such as expanded slot dimensions and enhanced power density, [...] Read more.
Compared with the traditional brushless doubly-fed generator (BDFG), the BDFG with double stator (BDFG-DS) architecture achieves enhanced configurability by physically decoupling the power and control windings onto independent stator assemblies. The design offers benefits such as expanded slot dimensions and enhanced power density, yet it remains constrained by inherent asymmetry in three phases, which causes large harmonics and torque ripples. In this paper, the working mechanism of the BDFG-DS is introduced. Then the root cause of the asymmetric phenomena is discussed. And based on the analysis, an optimization method with complementary skewed stators is developed to enhance the performance of the BDFG-DS. By adopting the appropriate combination of pole slot and skewing slot angles of the two stators, the asymmetry and performance, including harmonics and torque ripples, are improved. Meanwhile, unlike the traditional skewing slot method, the torque density and power density are not decreased. Finally, a finite element analysis model is built and simulations are conducted to demonstrate the electromagnetic optimization efficacy of the proposed skewed-stator topology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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25 pages, 9899 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Shaft Power Extraction on Small Turbofan Engines: A Thermodynamic and Exergy-Based Analysis for No-Bleed Architectures
by Runcun Li, Hong Zhang, Dawei Wang, Chengyang Luo and Hao Xu
Electronics 2025, 14(8), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14081552 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 280
Abstract
In “no-bleed” engine architectures, bleed air is replaced by shaft power extraction to run the subsystems, avoiding the inefficiencies of traditional bleed systems. This approach is increasingly used in small turbofan engines, prompting analysis of its impact on engine performance and exergy efficiency. [...] Read more.
In “no-bleed” engine architectures, bleed air is replaced by shaft power extraction to run the subsystems, avoiding the inefficiencies of traditional bleed systems. This approach is increasingly used in small turbofan engines, prompting analysis of its impact on engine performance and exergy efficiency. A small high-bypass turbofan engine was modeled in software under two control strategies: constant thrust (CT) and constant speed (CS), with shaft power extraction up to 18 kW. Exergy analysis evaluated efficiency losses and sustainability metrics (exergy efficiency, environmental effect factor, and exergetic sustainability index). Simulations indicate that an 18 kW shaft power extraction increases SFC by 13.6% (CT) and 42.1% (CS). Exergy efficiency rises from 47.3% to 50.7% (CT) and 54.2% (CS). However, these power draws also increase irreversibility and the environmental effect factor (EEF) grows from 0.678 to 0.732 (CT) and 0.744 (CS), while the exergetic sustainability index (ESI) drops from 1.48 to 1.34, signaling reduced sustainability at high extraction. Maintaining constant thrust during extraction incurs smaller fuel consumption and exergy efficiency penalties than constant speed control. The findings highlight the need for adaptive control strategies (e.g., limiting extraction levels or using variable-geometry components) to mitigate losses and enhance sustainability in no-bleed engine designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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28 pages, 5171 KiB  
Article
A Robust Controller Based on Extension Sliding Mode Theory for Brushless DC Motor Drives
by Kuei-Hsiang Chao, Chin-Tsung Hsieh and Xiao-Jian Chen
Electronics 2024, 13(20), 4028; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13204028 - 13 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1014
Abstract
This paper presents the design of a robust speed controller for brushless DC motors (BLDCMs) under field-oriented control (FOC). The proposed robust controller integrates extension theory (ET) and sliding mode theory (SMT) to achieve robustness. First, the speed difference between the speed command [...] Read more.
This paper presents the design of a robust speed controller for brushless DC motors (BLDCMs) under field-oriented control (FOC). The proposed robust controller integrates extension theory (ET) and sliding mode theory (SMT) to achieve robustness. First, the speed difference between the speed command and the actual speed of the BLDCM, along with the rate of change of the speed difference, are divided into 20 interval categories. Then, the feedback speed difference and the rate of change of the speed difference are calculated for their extension correlation with each of the 20 interval categories. The interval category with the highest correlation is used to determine the appropriate control gain for the sliding mode speed controller. This gain adjustment tunes the parameters of the sliding surface in the SMT, thereby suppressing the overshoot of the motor’s speed. Because a sliding surface reaching law of the sliding mode controller (SMC) adopts the exponential approach law (EAL), the system’s speed response can quickly follow the speed command in any state and exhibit an excellent load regulation response. The simplicity of this robust control method, which requires minimal training data, facilitates its easy implementation. Finally, the speed control of the BLDCM is simulated using Matlab/Simulink software (2023b version), and the results are compared with those of the SMC using the constant-speed approach law (CSAL). The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed robust controller exhibits superior speed command tracking and load regulation responses compared to the traditional SMC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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17 pages, 5999 KiB  
Article
Research on Predictive Speed Control Scheme for Surface-Mounted Permanent Magnet Servo Systems
by Zhe Song, Weihong Zhou and Yu Mo
Electronics 2024, 13(17), 3421; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13173421 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1049
Abstract
In order to improve the dynamic response and disturbance rejection performance of electric machines, a deadbeat predictive speed control (DPSC) scheme for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is proposed. To begin with, a DPSC controller was proposed with the purpose of achieving [...] Read more.
In order to improve the dynamic response and disturbance rejection performance of electric machines, a deadbeat predictive speed control (DPSC) scheme for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is proposed. To begin with, a DPSC controller was proposed with the purpose of achieving precise control for the next control cycle, and the control parameters were determined based on the optimal parameter design method. For better application, performance comparisons were made with a conventional PI control, and the mismatch effects of inertia and torque were analyzed. In order to improve the disturbance rejection performance of the system, an extended sliding mode observer (ESMO) was constructed to compensate for disturbances. Experimental verification with a conventional PI control indicates that the proposed DPSC control can reduce the speed response time from 0.675 s to 0.650 s. When the electric machine operates stably and is applied to a torque disturbance of 0.4 Nm, the speed fluctuation and settling time can be reduced from 9 rpm and 1.7 s to 6 rpm and 0.5 s, respectively. This proposed method effectively enhances the speed control performance of PMSM and can be applied to high-performance electric machine applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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28 pages, 12205 KiB  
Article
Analysis of DC-Link Low-Frequency Current Harmonics in Multi-Source Multi-Three-Phase Electric Drives
by Yiyu Lai, Antoine Cizeron, Adrien Voldoire, Javier Ojeda and Olivier Béthoux
Electronics 2024, 13(12), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13122236 - 7 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1854
Abstract
In a multi-source permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive, three distinct winding structures can be implemented: multi-sector, multi-three-phase, and highly coupled. However, due to variations in the magnetic coupling between windings, their low-frequency DC-link current ripple components differ. This paper presents a method [...] Read more.
In a multi-source permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive, three distinct winding structures can be implemented: multi-sector, multi-three-phase, and highly coupled. However, due to variations in the magnetic coupling between windings, their low-frequency DC-link current ripple components differ. This paper presents a method to identify the phenomena associated with each low-frequency harmonic content. Three analytical models are developed for the DC current ripple induced by unbalanced winding, counter-electromotive force (back-EMF) harmonics and aliasing effects, respectively, with the results validated through simulations. Experimental validation is conducted for highly coupled winding drives, demonstrating agreement with the analytical models and simulations. The maximum DC current ripple ratio found in the analytical model, the simulation and the experiments is less than 15%, which is deemed acceptable for motor drive applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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16 pages, 7757 KiB  
Article
Novel Structure of Shield Ring to Reduce Shaft Voltage and Improve Cooling Performance of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
by Jun-Kyu Kang, Jun-Hyeok Heo, Su-Hwan Kim and Jin Hur
Electronics 2024, 13(8), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13081535 - 17 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1208
Abstract
The voltage of the battery system is increased to increase the efficiency of the electric motor drive system. Additionally, the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique is used to ensure high controllability. However, high-voltage and high-speed PWM switching controls for system efficiency [...] Read more.
The voltage of the battery system is increased to increase the efficiency of the electric motor drive system. Additionally, the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique is used to ensure high controllability. However, high-voltage and high-speed PWM switching controls for system efficiency generate high common mode voltage (CMV), and shaft voltage is induced in the bearing. This results in a shortened bearing life and potential damage. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to reduce the shaft voltage of the motor through a novel hybrid shield ring structure. It also analyzes how to improve the cooling performance of the motor using a shield ring. First, the parasitic capacitance inside the motor is analyzed. Then, the shaft voltage reduction technology is analyzed according to the material of the shield ring. Finally, experiments validate the proposed method. Additionally, the temperature characteristics of the main part of the motor are analyzed through an experiment in consideration of the shield ring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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21 pages, 3762 KiB  
Article
MW-Scale High-Voltage Direct-Current Power Conversion for Large-Spacecraft Electric Propulsion
by Ghazaleh Sarfi and Omid Beik
Electronics 2024, 13(8), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13081455 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1416
Abstract
This paper proposes a megawatt (MW)-scale high-voltage (HV) electrical power-conversion element for large-spacecraft electric propulsion (EP) systems. The proposed scheme is intended for long-term and crewed missions, and it is driven by a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) that acts as a heat source. [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a megawatt (MW)-scale high-voltage (HV) electrical power-conversion element for large-spacecraft electric propulsion (EP) systems. The proposed scheme is intended for long-term and crewed missions, and it is driven by a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) that acts as a heat source. The scheme includes (i) A two-rotor generator (TRG), (ii) A rectification stage, and (iii) An isolated dual output DC-DC (iDC2) converter. The TRG is a high-reliability electric machine with two rotors, a permanent magnet rotor (PMR), and a wound field rotor (WFR). The PMR has a fixed flux and hence back-EMF, while the back-EMF due to the WFR is controlled by injecting a direct current (DC) into the WFR winding. The total TRG output voltage, which is the sum of voltages due to the PMR and WFR, is controlled over a prescribed region of spacecraft operation. The output of the TRG is rectified and connected to the input of the iDC2 converter. The iDC2 converter uses a three-winding transformer, where the primary winding is fed from the rectified output of TRG, the secondary winding processes the propulsion power to an electric thruster via a high-voltage DC (HVDC) link and a tertiary winding that is connected to the spacecraft’s low-voltage DC (LVDC) power system. Three controllers are proposed for the system: an HVDC voltage controller, an HVDC current controller that controls the voltage and current processed to the thruster, and an LVDC controller that adjusts the current to the LVDC system. Detailed analytical models for the TRG, iDC2 converter, and controllers are developed and verified via simulations under different conditions. The analytical studies are further validated via results from a laboratory prototype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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25 pages, 10796 KiB  
Article
Novel Magnetic Field Modeling Method for a Low-Speed, High-Torque External-Rotor Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor
by Shaokai Kou, Ziming Kou, Juan Wu and Yandong Wang
Electronics 2023, 12(24), 5025; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12245025 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1457
Abstract
In view of the unstable electromagnetic performance of the air gap magnetic field caused by the torque ripple and harmonic interference of a multi-slot and multi-pole low-speed, high-torque permanent magnet synchronous motor, we propose a simplified model of double-layer permanent magnets. The model [...] Read more.
In view of the unstable electromagnetic performance of the air gap magnetic field caused by the torque ripple and harmonic interference of a multi-slot and multi-pole low-speed, high-torque permanent magnet synchronous motor, we propose a simplified model of double-layer permanent magnets. The model is divided into an upper and a lower subdomain, with the upper subdomain being an ideal circular ring and the lower subdomain being a segmented sector ring. Moreover, we develop an exact analytical model of the motor that predicts the magnetic field distribution based on Laplace’s and Poisson’s equations, which is solved using the method of separating variables. Taking a 40p168s low-speed, high-torque permanent magnet synchronous motor as an example, the accuracy of the model is verified by comparison with an ideal circular ring model, a segmented sector ring model, and the finite element method. Based on the proposed simplified model, three combined permanent magnets considering both edge-cutting and polar arc cutting structures are proposed, which are chamfered, rounded, and rectangular combinations. Under the premise of a consistent edge-cutting amount, the electromagnetic characteristics of the three combination types of permanent magnets are compared using the finite element method. The results show that the electromagnetic characteristics of the chamfered combination PM are superior to those of the other two combinations. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and tested to validate the theoretical analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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Review

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21 pages, 11178 KiB  
Review
Material Characterization and Strategies for Optimization of Additively Manufactured Electric Machines—A Review
by Shaheer Ul Hassan, Mazahir Hussain Shah, Luděk Pešek and Miroslav Chomát
Electronics 2025, 14(4), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14040729 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 705
Abstract
With the advent of 3D printing, advancements in optimizing structures and innovations to 3D print new materials for electric machines are being developed. Conventional structures are being replaced by lattice structures which provide better properties. From plastics to metals, recent achievements have been [...] Read more.
With the advent of 3D printing, advancements in optimizing structures and innovations to 3D print new materials for electric machines are being developed. Conventional structures are being replaced by lattice structures which provide better properties. From plastics to metals, recent achievements have been made in the 3D printing of soft and hard magnetic materials. Hard magnetic materials are mostly printed by mixing them with ferrites or using a binder material. This paper focuses on all the different methods and compositions to 3D print metals and soft and hard magnetic materials. Although research is still undergoing to expand the use of different magnetic materials, we still have some limitations in their use in electric machines e.g., mixing hard magnetic materials with other materials for 3D printing weakens their electromagnetic properties. Some 3D printing processes provide a comparatively low mechanical strength. With research being undertaken to overcome these challenges, recent 3D-printed magnetic materials for the use in electric machines are discussed in this paper. Apart from materials, different optimization strategies are also introduced that increase the efficiency of the 3D-printed parts e.g., process optimization, topology optimization, and thermal optimization. Process optimization includes different multi-material strategies to reduce the time taken, print multiple parts in one process, and improve the properties of the part. Topology optimization revolves around optimized designs. The properties of electric machines are enhanced by using optimized shapes of rotor, stator, and coils. During the operation of electric machines, there is always some heat generation. The efficient removal of this heat from the system can increase the efficiency of the part. Thermal optimization to efficiently dissipate the heat to the atmosphere is achieved by using phase-changing materials (PCMs), by installing cooling systems, or by introducing optimized structures with better thermal properties. All these developments are discussed in this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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25 pages, 3298 KiB  
Review
A Review of Carbon Emissions from Electrical Machine Materials
by Xuebei Zhang, David Gerada, Zeyuan Xu, Fengyu Zhang and Chris Gerada
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091714 - 29 Apr 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3760
Abstract
As the world embarks on a global mission to tackle climate change, reducing carbon represents a key challenge given the escalating global warming. The U.K. is among many other nations that are determined to decarbonise all sectors and strive to achieve a net [...] Read more.
As the world embarks on a global mission to tackle climate change, reducing carbon represents a key challenge given the escalating global warming. The U.K. is among many other nations that are determined to decarbonise all sectors and strive to achieve a net zero carbon target by 2050. While much attention has been paid to improving performance and reducing carbon emissions in electrical machines, the current research landscape focuses mainly on the thermal and electromagnetic facets. Surprisingly, carbon emissions from the production stage, especially those related to raw material consumption, remain a largely unexplored area. This paper wishes to shed light on a neglected dimension by providing a comprehensive review of carbon emissions in the manufacture of electrical machines, thus contributing significantly to the wider discourse on carbon emission reduction by comparing the carbon emission values associated with various materials commonly used for the main components of these machines. A further case study is included to assess and explore the impact of material alterations on a synchronous machine, from a carbon emission perspective. A reliable material guide will provide engineers at the design stage with the critical insight needed to make informed material selection decisions, highlighting the critical role of carbon emission values beyond conventional thermal and electromagnetic considerations, achieving sustainable and environmentally conscious electrical machine design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation)
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