Literature Review on LPTN Applied to Radial PMSM: Formulation and Approaches

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) possess high power density and efficiency, which make them suitable for broad applications, including the transportation sector, thus contributing to its decarbonization. As demand for electric vehicles increases, the need for performance improvements on electric motors also rises. An essential requirement is efficient thermal management to prevent and mitigate overheating-related premature motor failure. Among the methods of thermal analysis, the Lumped Parameter Thermal Network (LPTN) model is distinguished by its versatility of applications and its low computational requirements, making it a proper tool for analyzing the temperature distribution within a motor. This paper focuses on radial PMSMs, emphasizing the identification of the primary heat sources and the corresponding heat transfer mechanisms involved. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive literature review of LPTN models implemented by different authors, analyzing the formulations and highlighting the similarities and differences between the models presented in the existing literature.