Effect of Pole–Slot Combination on Eddy-Current Formation in PMSM Rotor Assembly Including Retaining Plate Structure

The results of the 3-D finite-element method electromagnetic analysis of the constant speed variable output permanent magnet synchronous motor including the rotor retaining plate structure confirmed that the eddy current flow was induced in the rotor part. Eddy current flows from the permanent magnet to the rotor retaining plate, and it was found that there is induced voltage that generates eddy currents in the retaining plate from the aspect of eddy-current distribution. The eddy current flow from the permanent magnet to the retaining plate is related to the change in magnetic resistance during rotation and is also related to the effect of slot harmonics on the air-gap magnetic flux density. In this paper, the characteristics of the eddy current flow in the rotor assembly were investigated when the retaining plate is included for various slot combinations. The eddy-current generation according to the slot combination is analyzed and the cause of such tendency was investigated. Furthermore, from the pattern of eddy-current formation, it was noted that the aperiodic pole-slot combination models may have a larger eddy-current loss increase when combined with the retaining plate.