Design, analysis and optimization of high speed axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motor for centrifuge application

Future Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are expected to use Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU), which can increase the nuclear burn-up by about three times compared to the current nuclear technology. High speed centrifuge rotating at speeds above 30 krpm is essential for uranium enrichment. This paper presents novel design and analysis of a high speed axial flux permanent magnet motor for centrifuge application. The centrifuge motor is designed to rotate at a speed of 45000 rpm inside an evacuated casing for a long time. The proposed axial flux motor has light, yet strong, well-balanced rotor that can run for about 25 years continuously. The designed motor is optimized for obtaining superior performance. MagNet 3-D and OptiNet are used for the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and optimization of the motor respectively and the results are presented. Finally, the fabricated motor is tested using sensorless Field Oriented Control (FOC) for experimental verification.