Effects of driving modes on permanent magnet motor electromagnetic and temperature fields at limit conditions

Abstract

Purpose Taking a 2,000 r/min 10 kW permanent magnet motor as an example, the purpose of this paper is to study the influence of driving modes on the performance of permanent magnet motor at limit conditions, and researched the variation mechanism of motor performance influenced by different driving modes. Design/methodology/approach A two-dimensional electromagnetic field model of the permanent magnet motor was established, and a rectangular-wave driving circuit was built. By using the finite element method, the electromagnetic field, current, harmonic content and eddy current loss were calculated when the motor operated at rated load and limit load. On the basis of the motor loss calculation, the temperature field of the motor operating at rated condition and limit condition was researched, and the factors that influence motor limit overload capacity were analyzed. By analyzing the motor loss variation at different load conditions, the change mechanism of the motor temperature field was determined further. Combined with the related experiments, the correctness of the above analysis was verified. Findings Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) driven by sine wave is better compared with brushless direct current motor (BLDCM) driven by rectangular wave in reducing the magnetic field harmonics, motor losses and optimizing the temperature distribution in the motor. The method driven by sine wave could improve the motor output performance including the motor efficiency and the motor overload capacity. The winding temperature is the most important factor that limits the output capability of PMSM operating for a long time. However, because of the large rotor eddy current losses, the permanent magnet temperature is the most important factor that limits the output capability of BLDCM operating for a long time. Practical implications The influence of driving modes on the motor magnetic field, losses and temperature distribution, efficiency and overload capacity was determined, and the influence mechanism was also analyzed. Combined with the analysis of the electromagnetic and temperature fields, the advantages of different driving modes were presented. This study could provide an important basis for the design of permanent magnet motors with different driving modes, and it also provides reference for the application of permanent magnet motor. Originality/value This paper presents the influence of driving modes on permanent magnet motors. The limit output capacity of the motor with different driving modes was studied, and the key factors limiting the motor output capability were obtained.