Search Results (131)

Interior-mounted permanent magnet (IPM) machines have been widely used in recent years due to their high efficiency, high torque/power densities, and so on. These machines can produce reluctance torque whereas their surface-mounted (SPM) counterparts cannot. Hence, IPMs are attractive in industrial applications that require high torque density. ${\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{d}}=0$ control is commonly adopted to drive permanent magnet (PM) machines, and the strategy is attractive due to its simplicity. However, although it is suitable for SPMs, adopting it in IPMs sacrifices the reluctance torque that can be obtained from the machine. Hence, it is vital to control IPMs using the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) strategy. This paper adopts the MTPA strategy for a 4.1 kW prototype IPM machine. Test system configuration is discussed step by step by paying particular attention to potential practical issues and inspirational discussions on their solutions. The issues associated with misaligned rotor positions or whistling problems pertinent to inappropriate power conversion strategies are addressed to overcome such issues in practical IPM drives. Comprehensive discussions and extensive comparisons of well-matched simulation and experimental results of both ${\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{d}}=0$- and MTPA-controlled drives at different evaluation metrics will be quite insightful to achieve efficiency-optimized IPM drives. Full article

Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) demand compact, high-torque motors capable of handling steep terrain and variable load conditions. Surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSMs) are widely used in this application due to their simple construction, ease of manufacturing, and cost-effectiveness. However, SPMSMs inherently lack reluctance torque, limiting their torque density and performance at high speeds. While interior PMSMs (IPMSMs) can overcome this limitation via reluctance torque, they require complex rotor machining and may compromise mechanical robustness. This paper proposes a surface-inset PMSM topology as a compromise between both approaches—introducing reluctance torque while maintaining a structurally simple rotor. The proposed motor features inset magnets shaped with a tapered outer profile, allowing them to remain flush with the rotor surface. This geometric configuration eliminates the need for a retaining sleeve during high-speed operation while also enabling saliency-based torque contribution. A baseline SPMSM design is first analyzed through finite element analysis (FEA) to establish reference performance. Comparative simulations show that the proposed design achieves a 20% increase in peak torque and a 33% reduction in current density. Experimental validation confirms these findings, with the fabricated prototype achieving a torque density of 30.1 kNm/m³. The results demonstrate that reluctance-assisted torque enhancement can be achieved without compromising mechanical simplicity or manufacturability. This study provides a practical pathway for improving motor performance in eMTB systems while retaining the production advantages of surface-mounted designs. The surface-inset approach offers a scalable and cost-effective solution that bridges the gap between conventional SPMSMs and more complex IPMSMs in high-demand e-mobility applications. Full article

The interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) are extensively applied in the field of new energy vehicles due to their high-power density and excellent performance control. However, the iron loss has a significant impact on their performance. This study conducts an optimization analysis on the processing technology of silicon steel sheets and motor structure, targeting the reduction of iron loss and the improvement of the motor’s integrated efficiency. Firstly, the influences of two iron core processing technologies on iron loss, namely gluing and welding, are compared. Through experimental tests, it is found that the iron loss density of the gluing process is lower than that of the welding process, and as the magnetic flux density increases, the difference between the two is expanding. Therefore, the iron loss test data from the adhesive process are employed to develop a variable-coefficient iron loss model, enabling precise calculation of the motor’s iron loss. On this basis, aiming at the problem of excessive iron loss of the motor, a novel topological structure of the stator and rotor is proposed. With the optimization goal of reducing the motor iron loss and taking the connection port of the air magnetic isolation slot and the gap of the stator module as the optimization variables, the optimized design of the IPMSM with low iron loss is achieved based on the Taguchi method. After optimization, the stator iron loss decreases by 13.60%, the rotor iron loss decreases by 20.14%, and the total iron loss is reduced by 15.34%. The optimization scheme takes into account both the electromagnetic performance and the process feasibility, it offers technical backing for the high-efficiency operation of new energy vehicle drive motors. Full article

This paper proposes a high-efficiency design for an external rotor interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) that eliminates the magnetic leakage flux path. The conventional model based on an external rotor surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) is analyzed using a statistical method. Design directions are derived by comparing efficiencies at two major operating points with different motor characteristics. A V-shaped IPMSM is then proposed to increase the permanent magnet volume and reduce magnetic leakage. Design optimization is conducted using Gaussian process models (GPMs) constructed with a Latin hypercube design (LHD), and the optimal design is determined using a gradient descent algorithm. A prototype is fabricated to confirm manufacturability, and the improved efficiency of the proposed design is experimentally verified. The results demonstrate that the proposed IPMSM significantly outperforms the conventional SPMSM in terms of efficiency across both operating points. Full article

Permanent-magnet losses in interior permanent-magnet (IPM) motors can result in high magnet temperatures and potential demagnetization. This study investigates using partially segmented magnets as an alternative to traditional segmented magnets to reduce these losses. Partial segmentation involves cutting slots into the magnet to redirect the eddy current path and reduce losses. The research explores analytical and finite element modeling of eddy current losses in partially segmented magnets in IPM machines. Various configurations and orientations of partial segmentation were examined to assess their impact on eddy current losses. Axial slots for the partially segmented magnets were found to be the most effective slotting direction for the baseline IPM motor’s aspect ratio. This study also explores several methods for measuring permanent-magnet loss in IPM machines. A locked rotor test fixture was designed to measure losses induced by switching harmonics. AC loss measurements for the test fixture were conducted to compare magnets with and without partial segmentation. The results showed a significant reduction in permanent-magnet loss for the partially segmented magnets, particularly at higher currents and across all the tested switching frequencies and phase angles. Additionally, the transient temperature of the partially segmented magnets was found to be 12 °C lower than without partial segmentation after a 30 min test. Full article

Accurate performance prediction in the design phase of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) is essential for optimizing efficiency and functionality. While 2-D finite element analysis (FEA) is commonly used due to its low computational cost, it overlooks important 3-D flux components such as axial leakage flux (ALF) and fringing flux (FF) that affect motor performance. Although 3-D FEA can account for these flux components, it is computationally expensive and impractical for rapid design iterations. To address this challenge, we propose a performance prediction method for interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) that incorporates 3-D flux effects while reducing computational time. This method uses deep transfer learning (DTL) to transfer knowledge from a large 2-D FEA dataset to a smaller, computationally costly 3-D FEA dataset. The model is trained in 2-D FEA data and fine-tuned with 3-D FEA data to predict motor performance accurately, considering design variables such as stator diameter, axial length, and rotor design. The method is validated through 3-D FEA simulations and experimental testing, showing that it reduces computational time and accurately predicts motor characteristics compared to traditional 3-D FEA approaches. Full article

A three-dimensional model of a three-phase linear induction motor (LIM) is analyzed by using hybrid finite element–boundary element (FEM-BEM) analysis. Two models with aluminum rotors are considered, one with back iron and the other without back iron. The outer boundary is chosen arbitrarily in free space to enclose the motor. The problem domain is divided into rectangular brick elements. The FEM is applied for the interior region, and the BEM is applied for the outer surface. The iron parts can be simulated either as constant permeability regions or regions with the actual magnetization B-H curve. The electromagnetic field problem is solved in terms of the magnetic vector potential. Performance parameters such as propulsion force, levitation force, and dissipated power are then obtained. A comparison of the results with the available measurements from cited references shows agreement within 4–5% for the model without back iron and 9–14% for the model with back iron. It also shows the significant impact of the hybrid FEM-BEM in comparison with the FEM. Full article

High-speed operation is a crucial approach for achieving high power density of drive motors for new energy vehicles. However, mechanical strength of the rotor has become the primary bottleneck in the development of high-speed drive motors. Adopting a multi-bridge structure can effectively enhance the mechanical strength of the V-shaped rotors widely used in interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs). Firstly, based on the equivalent centroid principle, the centrifugal forces generated by the rotor’s pole shoes and permanent magnets are calculated. An improved centrifugal force method is proposed to establish an analytical mechanical model of the multi-bridge V-shaped rotor structure. This method comprehensively considers the force conditions, deformation constraints, and material properties of the magnetic bridges. Additionally, stress concentration is taken into account to ensure the accuracy of the model. The effects of various structural parameters on the maximum mechanical stress and deformation are then analyzed. These parameters include the V-angle, pole shoe angle, and the dimensions of three types of magnetic bridges, namely, the central bridge, air-gap bridge, and middle bridge. Finally, recommendations for selecting structural parameters in the mechanical strength design of multi-bridge V-shaped rotors are summarized. The effectiveness of the proposed rotor structure is verified through finite element method and experiments. Full article

With the recent proliferation of electric vehicles, there is increasing attention on drive motors that are powerful and efficient, with a higher power density. To meet such high power density requirements, the cooling technology used for drive motors is particularly important. To further optimize the cooling effects, the use of direct oil-cooling technology for drive motors is gaining more attention, especially regarding the requirements for electric vehicle electric oil pumps (EOPs) in motor cooling. In such high-temperature environments, it is also necessary for the EOP to maintain its performance under high temperatures. This research explores the feasibility of using high-temperature-resistant ferrite magnets in the rotors of EOPs. For a 150 W EOP motor with the same stator size, three different rotor configurations are proposed: a surface permanent magnet (SPM) rotor, an interior permanent magnet (IPM) rotor, and a spoke-type IPM rotor. While the rotor sizes are the same, to maximize the power density while meeting the rotor’s mechanical strength requirements, the different rotor configurations make the most use of ferrite magnets (weighing 58 g, 51.8 g, and 46.3 g, respectively). Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to compare the performance of these models with that of the basic rotor design, considering factors such as the no-load back electromotive force, no-load voltage harmonics (<10%), cogging torque (<0.1 Nm), load torque, motor loss, and efficiency (>80%). Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the system efficiency and energy loss was conducted based on hypothetical electric vehicle traction motor parameters. Finally, by manufacturing a prototype motor and conducting experiments, the effectiveness and superiority of the finite element method (FEM) design results were confirmed. Full article

Interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) for traction applications have attracted significant attention due to their advantages of high torque and power density as well as a wide operating range. However, these motors suffer from high electromagnetic vibration noise due to their complex structure and structural rigidity. The main sources of this electromagnetic vibration noise are cogging torque, torque ripple, and radial force. To predict electromagnetic vibration noise, finite element analysis (FEA) with flux density analysis of the air gap is essential. This approach allows for the calculation of radial force that is the source of the vibration and enables the prediction of vibration in advance. The data obtained from these analyses provide important guidance for reducing vibration and noise in the design of electric motors. In this paper, the cogging torque and vibration at rated and maximum operating speed are analyzed, and an optimal cogging torque and vibration reduction model, with rotor taper and two-step skew structure, is proposed using the response surface method (RSM) to minimize them. The validity of the proposed model is demonstrated through formulations and FEA based entirely on numerical analysis and results. This study is expected to contribute to the design of more efficient and quieter electric motors by providing a solution to the electromagnetic vibration noise problem generated by IPMSM for traction applications with complex structures. Full article

This paper proposes a modification to existing saliency-based, sensorless control strategy for interior permanent magnet synchronous motors. The proposed approach leverages a two-interval, six-segment high-frequency voltage signal injection technique. It aims to improve rotor position and speed estimation accuracy when utilizing a single current sensor positioned in the inverter’s DC-bus circuit. The key innovation lies in modifying both the high-frequency signal injection and demodulation processes to address challenges in accurate phase current reconstruction and rotor position estimation, at low and zero speeds. A significant modification to the traditional high-frequency voltage signal injection method is introduced, which involves splitting the signal injection and the field-oriented control algorithm into two distinct sampling and switching periods. This approach ensures that no portion of the injected voltage space vector falls into the immeasurable region of space vector modulation, which could otherwise compromise current measurements. The dual-period structure, termed the two-interval six-segment high-frequency injection, allows for more precise current measurement during the signal injection period while maintaining optimal motor control during the field-oriented control period. Furthermore, this paper explores a different demodulation technique that improves the estimation of rotor position and speed. By employing a synchronous filter in combination with a phase-locked loop, the proposed method enhances the robustness of the system against noise and inaccuracies typically encountered in phase current reconstruction. The effectiveness of the proposed modifications is demonstrated through comprehensive simulation results. These results confirm that the enhanced method offers more reliable rotor position and speed estimates compared to the existing sensorless technique, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring high precision in motor control. Full article

This paper presents an innovative design for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), targeting enhanced performance for electric vehicle (EV) applications. The proposed motor features a double V-shaped rotor structure with irregular ferrite magnets embedded in the slots between the permanent magnets. This design significantly enhances torque performance. Furthermore, a machine learning-based surrogate model is developed by integrating fine and coarse mesh data. Optimized using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), this surrogate model effectively reduces computational time compared to traditional finite element analysis (FEA). Full article

This article presents a detailed analysis of the electromagnetic force and vibration behavior of a new axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine with a yokeless stator and interior PM rotor. Firstly, the configuration of an AFPM machine with a dual rotor and a sandwiched stator is introduced, including the structural design, fixation of the yokeless stator and segmented skew rotor structure. Then, the influence of anisotropic material and a fixed structure on stator modes is analyzed, including elastic modulus, shear model, the skew angle of slot and the thickness of stator yoke. Furthermore, a new non-equally segmented skew rotor structure is proposed and calculated for the reduction in vibration based on the multiphysics model. Three different segmented skew rotor schemes are compared to illustrate the influence of reducing vibration and noise. The predicted results show that the effect of the non-equally segmented skew rotor on reducing vibration is better than the other two schemes. Finally, a 120 kW AFPM motor is experimented with and the result matches well with the predicted data. The vibration performance of the AFPM motor with a dual rotor and sandwiched yokeless stator is revealed comprehensively. Full article

High-speed interior permanent magnet (IPM) motors require highly reliable rotors. Some measures must be adopted to improve rotor safety, but its electromagnetic performance is seriously affected. It is a challenge to achieve excellent electromagnetic characteristics while satisfying mechanical strength. This paper presents an electromagnetic optimization design of high-speed IPM motors considering rotor stress. Firstly, the permanent magnet (PM) is segmented by adding stiffeners to improve stress distribution. The effects of the bridge and stiffener thickness on the rotor stress and electromagnetic performance are analyzed. Secondly, an electromagnetic optimization model is built based on a three-segment PM rotor structure, aiming for maximum efficiency and minimum rotor core losses. Then, the initial design and optimized scheme are compared, the results show that the efficiency, safety and temperature performance of the motor are improved. Finally, a 140 kW, 18,000 rpm prototype is manufactured and tested. The above analysis provides a valuable reference for the design and widespread application of high-speed IPM motors. Full article

The interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) is known for its high output torque, strong overload capacity, and high power density, making it a popular choice in the electric vehicle industry. This paper proposes an improved multi-objective artificial hummingbird algorithm that combines chaotic mapping, adaptive weights, and dynamic crowding entropy. An optimization strategy that combines the Taguchi method with the Improved Multi-Objective Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (IMOAHA), is proposed to minimize torque ripple and back electromotive force in the interior permanent magnet synchronous motor while simultaneously increasing the average torque of the motor. Taking the 8-pole 48-slot interior permanent magnet synchronous motor as an example, the optimization objectives include back electromotive force, average torque, and torque ripple. The rotor-related structural parameters are used as optimization variables. First, the Taguchi method is employed to identify parameters that significantly influence the optimization objectives. Subsequently, response surface fitting is used to establish the relationship between the optimization objectives and parameters. Finally, the multi-objective artificial hummingbird algorithm is utilized for optimization. By comparing the finite element analysis of the motor models before and after optimization, it is evident that the improved multi-objective artificial hummingbird algorithm can effectively enhance the performance of the interior permanent magnet synchronous motor. Full article