Design and Optimization of an Interior Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor for Aircraft Drive Application

Abstract

The torque performance of the interior permanent-magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) must be further improved to satisfy the growing demand of aircraft drive application. To this end, this article focuses on the design optimization of the IPMSM structure in the aircraft drive systems to improve the torque density and reduce the torque ripple. A special fractional-slot winding and ∇-type magnetic-pole rotor topology are proposed as the optimized IPMSM structure compared with the structure of an existing motor. The simulations of the original and optimized structures at different current values reveal the variance of the torque in the average and ripple, mechanical and external characteristics, efficiency and steady-state temperature. The performance of an optimized prototype is analyzed by experimental testing, and the results show that an optimized motor has a higher torque density and lower torque ripple than the original one at the same speed and rated power, but it also has a higher temperature rise. However, the temperature rise value is acceptable in the experimental testing condition, so the validity of the design optimization method for the proposed structure is verified.