The trend in traction motor design and optimization is to achieve high torque and power densities, wider speed range and high efficiency within the area defining the most frequent operating points. A fast tool to evaluate different variables within the torque-speed map is convenient for this purpose. In this context, starting from a preliminary motor design, and taking into account motor cross-coupling effects and power losses, this paper presents a new tool for evaluating the behavior of permanent magnet machines, such as synchronous reluctance machines, and permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machines, in all operational points. Apart from the torque and efficiency, many other electrical variables can be obtained, such as the current space vector angle, power factor or electrical power among others. The proposed tool also allows optimizing the design of the machine under a pre-established control law, thus obtaining the current set point trajectory in the dq frame and allowing a fast and accurate evaluation of motor performance. The results obtained by means of the proposed simulation tool are compared against finite element analysis simulations and experimental data, thus validating the usefulness and accuracy of the proposed methodology.

Peer Reviewed