Design of fan-shape type PMSM for improving efficiency of non-rare earth motor

The rare earth output is concentrated in limited number of countries including China. Also the necessity for development of non-rare earth motor is getting signified due to the rapid increase of rare earth price and resource weaponizing policies. Non-rare earth motor is generally designed as spoke type PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) in order to maximize the power density. Such spoke type PMSM has advantage in concentrating the flux but demonstrates lower efficiency compared to permanent magnet using Nd (Neodymium) permanent magnet. Therefore, applications with strong necessity for efficiency need rotor structure having improved efficiency compared to spoke type PMSM. Hence, this study suggested fan-shape type PMSM with somewhat lower power density but maximized efficiency. Fan-shape type PMSM is a rotor shape demonstrating outstanding reduction of iron loss compared to existing spoke type. Thus, this study analyzed the improvement of efficiency and reduction of loss arising from the suggested shape through parameter calculation. © Copyright The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers.