Analytical Modeling for Optimal Rotor Shape to Design Highly Efficient Line-Start Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

In this study, an analytical technique for the rotor geometry optimization based on lumped magnetic parametric approach is used to design a two-pole, three-phase, 7.5-kW line-start permanent magnet (LSPM) synchronous motor. The permanent magnet shape substantially affects the air-gap flux density distribution, back electromotive force (EMF) as well as the copper loss, which have a great impact on the performance characteristics of the permanent magnet synchronous motors. Principal advantages involve in adjusting the rotor shape are to achieve the effective air-gap flux density and optimize the fundamental component of the back EMF with low harmonic content for minimum ripple torque. Therefore, to enhance the efficiency (η) and power factor, an optimized slot shape considering various design parameters is selected for the permanent magnet of the rotor in the prototype LSPM machine. A linear saturated lumped magnetic parametric model is developed to exhibit magnetic characteristics, and analytical equations are acquired under the open-circuit condition without considering the slotting effect for design simplicity. The influence of design variables on the air-gap flux density distribution and the flux leakage is investigated precisely using an analytical circuit model. A parametric study of the prototype model demonstrates that the steady-state performance of the LSPM motor are significantly influenced by the design variables. The inductance saliency ratio and electromagnetic torque components are carefully analyzed in terms of their effects on the load characteristics of the LSPM motor in order to determine the optimal shape of the PM slots and the magnetic flux barriers. The validity of the proposed method has been checked by evaluating the numerical solution of the analytical model using a two-dimensional finite element method.