Impact of Selected Methods of Cogging Torque Reduction in Multipolar Permanent-Magnet Machines

This paper focuses on the matter of cogging torque reduction by combining various methods of cogging torque minimization. Due to the high costs of prototype construction, cogging torque is minimized during the design phase by using numerical methods, while computer simulations are used to find a magnetic circuit arrangement for which the cogging torque has the smallest possible value. Cogging torque occurs as a result of combined impact of the magnetic field of a permanent magnet located at rotor and stator with variable magnetic conductivity depending on an angle of rotation. It is a pulsating torque and occurs permanently during machine operation, impacting the operation of the entire device cooperating with the electric machine and causing vibrations, tension, and noise. It results in braking torque and subsequent power losses and leads to faster wear and tear of machine structural elements. High cogging torque values cause problems with rotational speed adjustment. In the case of electric generators used in wind power plants, it impedes the start-up of power plants at high wind speeds. Considering the above, the reduction of cogging torque in permanent-magnet machines is extremely important.