Magnetic Equivalent Circuit and Optimization Method of a Synchronous Reluctance Motor with Concentrated Windings

In this paper, the 12-slot/4-pole (12/4) synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) with concentrated windings is proposed for low-cost hybrid vehicles. The non-linear magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model of the 12/4 SynRM is built to obtain the main electromagnetic characteristics such as coil flux, inductances, torque, etc. The magnetic saturation is also counted in by the MEC. Results calculated by MEC are validated by 2D finite element analysis (FEA). Then, aiming at larger average torque, lower torque ripple and lower total harmonic distortion (THD) in phase voltage, the parameter optimization method of the SynRM is proposed based on the Taguchi method and the MEC model. The proposed Taguchi-MEC method enables a fast optimization with satisfactory accuracy. Finally, the motor prototype is manufactured, and experimental validations are carried out.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a 12-slot/4-pole synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) for low-cost hybrid vehicles. The non-linear magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model is used to analyze the motor's electromagnetic characteristics and magnetic saturation. The parameter optimization method based on the Taguchi method and the MEC model is also introduced for improved performance. Experimental validations are conducted to verify the motor prototype.