Finite-element-based computationally-efficient electric machine model suitable for use in electrified vehicle powertrain design optimization

Electric machines and their corresponding power electronic drives are key components of electric/hybrid electric vehicle (EV/HEV) powertrains. Thus, computationally-efficient models for electric machines and drives are essential for powertrain-level design, simulation, and optimization. In this paper, a finite-element-based method for quickly generating torque-speed curves and efficiency maps for electric machines and drives is presented. First, magneto-static finite element analysis (FEA) is conducted on a “base” machine design. This analysis produces normalized torque, flux linkage, current, and losses for the operating points of interest. These values are then adjusted based upon changing the size of the machine and the effective number of turns of the machine windings to quickly generate a variety of new machine designs and their corresponding efficiency maps. Results suggest that the proposed techniques can be useful for EV/HEV powertrain design and optimization.