FEA Based Design of a Low Cost Ferrite Magnet Surface Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for An Industrial Exhaust Fan

Brushless permanent magnet (PM) motors are gaining popularity in the appliance industry due to their improved efficiency and high power density. This paper presents the finite element analysis (FEA) based design of a low cost ferrite magnet surface permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM). The objective here is to improve the efficiency and torque ripple profile of the existing motor for an industrial exhaust fan. The single-phase induction motor (SPIM) utilized in the available industrial exhaust fan is modified to an SPMSM. The main dimensions and electrical performance of commercially available SPIM for an industrial exhaust fan are analyzed. The data obtained from an analytical design of SPMSM is validated against FEA. FFT analysis of radial flux density in the air gap and line back emf for different slot-pole combinations of the motor are analyzed, and the best suitable topology is selected. The improved efficiency results in the reduction in energy consumption of the appliance and hence its operating cost.