Influence of the shape of squirrel-cage bars on the dimensions of permanent magnets in an optimized line-start permanent magnet synchronous motor

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to compare parameters and properties of optimal structures of a line-start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSM) for the cage winding of a different rotor bar shape. Design/methodology/approach - The mathematical model of the considered motor includes the equation of the electromagnetic field, the electric circuit equations and equation of mechanical equilibrium. The numerical implementation is based on finite element method (FEM) and step-by-step algorithm. To improve the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm convergence, the velocity equation in the classical PSO method is supplemented by an additional term. This term represents the location of the center of mass of the swarm. The modified particle swarm algorithm (PSO-MC) has been used in the optimization calculations. Findings - The LSPMSM with drop type bars has better performance and synchronization parameters than motors with circular bars. It is also proved that the used modification of the classical PSO procedure ensures faster convergence for solving the problem of optimization LSPMSM. This modification is particularly useful when the field model of phenomena is used. Originality/value - The authors noticed that to obtain the maximum power factor and efficiency of the LSPMSM, the designer should take into account dimensions and the placement of the magnets in the designing process. In the authors' opinion, the equivalent circuit models can be used only at the preliminary stage of the designing of line-start permanent magnet motors.