Finite Element Analysis of a New High Torque Density Inter-Modular Permanent Magnet Motor with Flux Barriers in the Stator

This paper proposes a new inter-modular permanent magnet (IMPM) motor which incorporates specific flux bridges in the stator. The PMs are plugged in between modules to maintain the original PM arrangement of an IMPM motor. The structure is fully optimized (using a multi-objective Genetic Algorithm) for average torque maximization and torque ripple minimization. Using Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, it is shown that the proposed IMPM motor provides a safe operating condition for the PMs not to experience excessive thermal tension. Moreover, a vibration and deformation study is performed showing that incorporating flux barriers does not impose any mechanical risk. The full-load results indicate that the structure offers more than 62% increase in torque per PM volume. The proposed topology also improves the power factor by 6%.