Recent Advances of IPM Motor Drives in Power Electronics World

In recent years, high efficiency electric motors are demanded to meet the challenges of energy hungry world with limited fossil fuel sources. Interior permanent magnet (IPM) motors have been increasingly developed and widely used to meet the high efficiency and performance requirements. It is because; an IPM is a highly efficient synchronous motor with built-in advantageous features. This is due to advances in high-energy permanent magnets, smart inverters and intelligent controllers. This paper provides an outline of a modern IPM motor in power electronics world. On-line and soft starting of an IPM motor is provided. Highlights of IPM motors include applications in Japanese air conditioners and hybrid electric vehicles, which are two examples of AC motor drives in domestic heat pumps and passenger automobiles for the competitive market place