Synchronous reluctance machine geometry optimisation through a genetic algorithm based technique

• Published in: IET electric power applications Vol. 12; no. 3; pp. 431 - 438
• Main Authors: Ruba, Mircea, Jurca, Florin, Czumbil, Levente, Micu, Dan D, Martis, Claudia, Polycarpou, Alexis, Rizzo, Renato
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Institution of Engineering and Technology 01.03.2018
• Subjects: complex co‐simulation; dedicated genetic algorithms; design optimisation; electric vehicles; finite element analysis software; Flux2D; genetic algorithms; genetic algorithm‐based technique; inductance characteristics; light electric vehicles; machine performances; Matlab; mean torque; optimisation process; optimised rotor design; reluctance machines; Research Article; rotor architecture; rotor skewing; rotors; stator; stators; synchronous reluctance machine geometry optimisation; torque loss; torque ripple reduction; rotors; synchronous reluctance machine geometry optimisation; machine performances; electric vehicles; genetic algorithm-based technique; torque loss; Flux2D; genetic algorithms; design optimisation; dedicated genetic algorithms; light electric vehicles; stators; mean torque; inductance characteristics; rotor architecture; rotor skewing; reluctance machines; optimised rotor design; complex co-simulation; torque ripple reduction; stator; finite element analysis software; optimisation process; Matlab
• ISSN: 1751-8660; 1751-8679; 1751-8679
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-epa.2017.0455

In this study, the design optimisation of a synchronous reluctance machine for light electric vehicles is proposed, to increase efficiency and reduce torque ripples. The existing machine was structurally optimised, using dedicated genetic algorithms, replacing only the rotor and keeping the stator and it's winding untouched. Starting from the original design of the rotor implemented in Flux2D, a finite element analysis software, and the genetic algorithm optimisation implemented in Matlab, a complex co-simulation was accomplished to obtain a rotor architecture that increases the machine's performances and decreases the torque ripples. By this, performing rotor skewing is not needed any more, hence the torque loss due to it was cancelled. The optimised rotor design increases the machine performances by higher mean torque, no skewing, <8% torque ripples, higher efficiency and better inductance characteristics. Comparative results obtained both in simulations and experimental measurements prove positive outcomes of the optimisation process.