The impact of stator module gaps on the performance of canned permanent magnet synchronous motors with segmented stators

Abstract The segmented stator structure is applied to the canned permanent magnet synchronous motor (CPMSM) can improve the performance of the motor. However, the specific and detailed effects of varying stator module gaps on CPMSM performance, particularly efficiency and torque, require further investigation. In this paper, an iterative calculation method for the electromagnetic performance of the motor is proposed. Using this method, the influence of stator module gap on the electromagnetic performance of the CPMSM with segmented stators is analyzed under the conditions of constant current and constant torque. The calculation results are compared with the finite element calculation results. The results show that under constant current, the increase of the stator module gap leads to the decrease of the loss, torque, efficiency and power factor. Under the condition of constant torque, with the increase of the stator module gap, the loss and power factor of the CPMSM are reduced, but the efficiency of the CPMSM is gradually improving. Finally, a prototype is made and a test platform is built. The test results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method and results. This study not only provides new insights into the complex interactions between module gap size, flux distribution, harmonic content, loss mechanisms, torque output, and efficiency in this specific motor structure, but also offers guidance for the optimized design of the CPMSM.