Design of permanent magnet synchronous motors including thermal aspects

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to include thermal analysis in the design process of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The additional objective is a comparison of PMSM with induction motor (IM) in terms of thermal phenomena. Design/methodology/approach – Numerical investigation using commercial software MotorSolve was performed. Parameterized models of PMSM and IM were used. Calculations of motor parameters and temperature distribution were made using Finite Element Method. Findings – The results of the calculations show that thermal calculations should be included in the design process because the maximum permissible operating temperature of permanent magnets should not be exceeded. A comparative analysis of PMSM and IM shows that the PMSM has better parameters than the IM which was used as a base of the PMSM construction. Research limitations/implications – Computational models should be verified experimentally on a physical model or by using more complex numerical models. In the case of IM thermal calculations, a method of air speed calculation should be proposed. Air speed is a parameter that is necessary in thermal analysis of IM, but during the design process it is unknown. Originality/value – This paper presents modelling methodology of 3D transient thermal field coupled with electromagnetic field applied in a three-phase IM at rated load conditions. This paper presents a design strategy which includes thermal analysis of the designed PMSM. Moreover, the paper shows a comparison between PMSM and IM indicating advantages of PMSM over IM.