Analysis of IPM motor parameters in an 80-kW traction motor

This paper presents a review of the electromagnetic field and a performance analysis of a radial flux interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine designed to achieve 80 kW and 125 Nm for an electric and hybrid traction vehicle. The motor consists of a 12-slot stator with a three-phase concentrated winding as well as an 8-pole rotor with V-shaped magnets. Selected motor parameters obtained from an IPM prototype were compared with the design requirements. Based on the electromagnetic field analysis, the authors have indicated the parts of the motor that should be redesigned, including the structure of the rotor core, aimed at enhancing the motor's performance and adjusting segmentation for magnet eddy current loss reduction. In addition, iron and PM eddy current losses were investigated. Moreover, transient analysis of current peak value showed that the current may increase significantly compared to steady-state values. A map of transient peak current load vs. torque load plotted against rotor speed was provided. Based on the numeric and analytical results of physical machine parameters, the authors indicate that collapse load during the motor's operation may significantly increase the risk of permanent magnet (PM) demagnetization. It was also found that collapse load increases the transient torque, which may reduce the lifetime of windings.