Effects of the pole-slot combination on the PMSM of an integrated motor propulsor for an unmanned underwater vehicle considering its electric performance, noise and vibration

The integrated motor propulsor (IMP) is a new unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) propulsion apparatus. The IMP consists of a rim-driven motor, a fluid hydrodynamic bearing, and a propulsor. KERI (Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute) is developing a surface permanent magnet (SPM) type of synchronous motor and a PWM-driven inverter. This system operates at a power density of 50HP (37 kW) at 1,000 rpm and is intended to fit the IMP system. The optimum design of the PMSM for the IMP has been developed successfully considering the pole-slot combination, electric performance, and the noise and vibration characteristics using multi-physics analyses and statistical design of experiments (DOE). A back-to-back performance test rig was proposed and considered for operation in a water tank. The acoustic field in a water tank of an optimum model was compared with that in an air condition considering the FSI (fluid structure interaction) dynamics.