Executive Summary : | Electric Vehicles (EVs) are experiencing increasing demand due to their renewable and sustainable nature. They offer better performance than internal combustion engine vehicles, with a range of 300-500km. Electric motors for automotive applications aim to have high Power Density (PD), high torque density, better efficiency, and a large Constant Power Speed Range (CPSR). The US Department of Energy targets a PD of 5.5 times the current value. Induction machines were once the primary choice for traction motors, but they are being replaced by Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) for better torque and efficiency. PMSM uses permanent magnets in its rotor, extracting more torque and power from the same volume. However, it has high costs. Multiphase stator winding configurations can improve PD by allowing for double the power extraction compared to a three-phase PMSM. This configuration also offers higher CPSR and better reliability. Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM) has gained popularity due to its high efficiency, high torque, and PD, and independence from PM usage. However, there is little attention given to its use for expanding PD. This project aims to investigate the performance of multiphase PMaSynRM, aiming to increase its PD and CPSR for EV applications. A careful design of the rotor, including proper placement of flux barriers and ferrite magnets, will be carried out to further increase torque and power density levels. The project will also develop a suitable control algorithm for the proposed machine. The outcome will be helpful in consumer-friendly EV motors and industrial use. |