Simple Design Optimization and Rated Slip Identification of Radial-Flux and Axial-Flux Induction Motors based on Finite Element Analysis

Current optimization methods for the design of induction motors (IMs) are either based on large-scale finite element analysis or semi-analytical methods based on the equivalent circuit. Nonetheless, simple methods generalizable to both radial-flux and axial-flux IMs have not been addressed in the literature. This paper aims to propose a simple methodology for optimizing the design of three-phase IMs using numerical methods following a multi-objective approach, applicable to both radial- and axial-flux IMs. This method allows for both optimizing and finding the rated operation of the best design simultaneously, hence reducing computational burden. Preliminary results on a radial flux squirrel cage machine, a high-speed solid rotor IM, and an axial flux IM, were promising in terms of rated torque, torque ripple, power factor and efficiency.