Design of permanent magnet synchronous motors including thermal aspects

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to include thermal analysis in the design process of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The additional objective is a comparison of PMSM with induction motor (IM) in terms of thermal phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical investigation using commercial software MotorSolve was performed. Parameterized models of PMSM and IM were used. Calculations of motor parameters and temperature distribution were made using Finite Element Method.

Findings

The results of the calculations show that thermal calculations should be included in the design process because the maximum permissible operating temperature of permanent magnets should not be exceeded. A comparative analysis of PMSM and IM shows that the PMSM has better parameters than the IM which was used as a base of the PMSM construction.

Research limitations/implications

Computational models should be verified experimentally on a physical model or by using more complex numerical models. In the case of IM thermal calculations, a method of air speed calculation should be proposed. Air speed is a parameter that is necessary in thermal analysis of IM, but during the design process it is unknown.

Originality/value

This paper presents modelling methodology of 3D transient thermal field coupled with electromagnetic field applied in a three-phase IM at rated load conditions. This paper presents a design strategy which includes thermal analysis of the designed PMSM. Moreover, the paper shows a comparison between PMSM and IM indicating advantages of PMSM over IM.

Citation

Lefik, M. (2015), "Design of permanent magnet synchronous motors including thermal aspects", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 561-572. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-08-2014-0196