Optimal design of synchronous reluctance machines

Electric machines are optimized to the extent of their magnetic configuration and manufacturability. Thanks to recent advances in development of composite material (SMC), 3-D printing, and programmable magnets, manufacturing capabilities have changed dramatically. Introducing of cloud computing and impressive computational resources has opened new opportunities in virtual prototyping in a multi-physics environment. These enabling technologies present a potential for a transformative approach in optimal design, evaluation, and manufacturing of the next generation of electric machines and adjustable speed drives. This paper proposes a new design approach applied to optimal design of synchronous reluctance machines. The proposed technique removes all the conventional constraints posed by traditional designs of classic magnetic configurations and only keeps a minimum airgap length and shaft diameter as the boundary conditions. The fabric of the rotor is based on a mesh whose elements can be air or SMC. A genetic algorithm is used for optimal placement of rotor configuration.