Design optimization of permanent magnet synchronous motors for high torque capability and low magnet volume

Permanent magnet synchronous motors are being manufactured and used increasingly in low to medium power range applications due to their inherent advantages. There is a great deal of opportunity to enhance their merits by design optimization, thus reduce production costs and improve performance of the motors. In this paper a design optimization is performed on interior type permanent magnet synchronous motors to achieve high torque development capability with low permanent magnet consumption. A multi-objective optimization is performed in search for optimum magnet dimensions and location. The design optimization results in a motor structure superior to original motor specifications. Finite element method is used to evaluate the accuracy of the results. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.