Investigation of the Impact of Holes on the Performance of Multilayer Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines

Multilayer interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (IPMSMs) are preferred options for high-speed operations among the different configurations of IPMSMs. Different flux barriers in multilayer IPMSMs can also help in changing the shape of the air-gap flux, which can enhance the performance of the motor by reducing core losses or by reducing torque ripple. While reducing core losses improves efficiency, torque ripple reduction enhances the health of the shaft and bearing by reducing noise and vibration. Different methods to minimize torque ripple exist in literature (e.g., skewing, changing the magnet orientation and shape). This work deals with the impact of the location and size of holes on the performance of multilayer IPMSM. Holes on the rotor and stator core bear the potential of altering the shape of air-gap flux and, therefore, creating an impact on the performance. Therefore, different possible combinations of holes placed on the stator and rotor have been considered in this work. Simulation studies have been conducted using FE Simulation software, and the results have been reported.