Comparative Design Analysis of Permanent Magnet Rotor Topologies for an Aircraft Starter-Generator

This paper presents a comparative design study on Permanent Magnet (PM) rotor topologies for high speed aircraft starter-generators. The application requirements associated with the aircraft starter and generator operation is highlighted. Different rotor design concepts are investigated whilst keeping both the stator and the rotor diameter consistent. In addition, the core material, the electrical and magnetic constraints and the thermal and structural limitations are also kept consistent as the basis for comparison of different rotor topologies in this study. The performance of different optimal rotor designs is evaluated with Finite Element (FE) simulations and the results are presented in this paper. A Surface mounted PM (SPM) machine and a Spoke type PM machine designs are manufactured to demonstrate its ability to produce the required performance.