Thermal analysis of surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor for electric vehicle application

As a driving motor, surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor exhibits high efficiency and high power density. However, it is susceptible to suffer irreversible demagnetization and insulation failure of coils under severe thermal load condition. Therefore, it is essential to predict temperature distribution in the driving motor. In this paper, a lumped parameter thermal model of surface mounted permanent magnet is investigated. By using finite element method, the iron loss distribution in various parts of the driving motor is achieved. Moreover, the influences of interface gap and flow rate on temperature distribution are discussed. Finally, the simulation of temperature distribution in different parts of the driving motor is achieved. The presented methodology contributes to verify the feasibility of the driving motor design. © by High Technology Letters Press.