Iron loss in permanent-magnet brushless AC machines under maximum torque per ampere and flux weakening control

The airgap flux density distribution, flux density loci in the stator core, and the associated iron loss in two topologies of brushless AC motor, having a surface-mounted magnet rotor and an interior-mounted magnet rotor, respectively, are investigated when operated under maximum torque per ampere control in the constant torque mode and maximum power control in the flux-weakening mode. It is shown that whilst the interior magnet topology is known to be eminently suitable for flux-weakening operation, due to its high demagnetization withstand capability, its iron loss can be significantly higher than for a surface-mounted magnet machine.