Magnetic equivalent circuit – based optimal design code of high torque density and efficiency small power claw pole stator PM motor

Abstract

Ever larger torque density, efficiency at moderate costs are key requirements in energy cost critical power drives with applications like home appliances and robotics. In the search for better solutions the multipolar axial-flux PMSM and the multipolar-inner claw-pole stator PMSM evolved as major competitors very recently. In an effort to reduce computation time effort in the optimal design of the inner-claw-pole-stator PMSM for small power applications, to the end of using a single desktop competitive computer, the present paper develops a 3D-MEC (magnetic equivalent circuit model) for the case in point integrated into a dedicated MATLAB code with a unique multi-term objective function, with constraints on efficiency in 3 operation points (torque speed pairs), demagnetization avoidance at 2pu load, and the motor materials cost as the main term; all terms in USD. For a case study the output file provides numerical and graphical comprehensive data that are sufficient to approach the fabrication for four cases: round and slab copper or aluminum wire in ac coils Finally for one optimal design and main operation point key validation with 3D-FEM is offered. The computation time for one wire type with 30 runs from random starting points, on a typical desktop computer was 81.12 seconds, which is an order of magnitudes smaller than existing (arguably more precise) methods.