Comparative Study of Different Flux Barrier Shapes for Performance Evaluation of Synchronous Reluctance Motors

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the performance evaluation of synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM) with different rotor designs, specifically focusing on fluid and segmented Shapes with the same flux barrier parameter. The aim of the study is to explore how flux barriers shapes impact key motor performance metrics such as inductance, torque, torque ripple, efficiency, and power factor. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations were employed to evaluate the motor's behavior under varying current levels as Maximum torque per ampere condition is considered for the current angle. One of the drawbacks of SynRMs are their high torque ripple causing operation fluctuations and high vibration. The crucial method for reducing this torque ripple is to enhance the rotor flux barrier shape design. This work is performed in two steps: Initially, analytically construct a SynRM mathematical model, then evaluate the model in FEA commercial software. A comparative study between the two rotor designs is built and tested.