Optimization of Magnet Segmentation for Reduction of Eddy-Current Losses in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

Rare earth permanent magnet synchronous machines with the pulsewidth modulated supply are exposed to magnets' heating due to harmonic fields, which rotate in relation to rotor. In cases when skin effect is negligible, the corresponding eddy-current losses in magnets can be reduced by segmentation of magnets. In this paper, we propose an analytical method to evaluate the effect of both circumferential and axial segmentations on losses' reduction in various conditions, concerning the skin effect. With the skin effect operating, the magnets' division may lead to increase rather than decrease of the eddy-current losses. A criterion to determine range of parameters leading to this unexpected situation is presented. Finite-element calculation confirms the results of the analysis.