A core analysis of the synchronous reluctance motor for automotive applications

Considering the major requirements for automotive applications i.e., high torque and power density, low torque ripple, wide speed range, and high speed operation capability, the synchronous reluctance machine is still under intensive investigation. As a traction motor, the proper operation of the SynRM at low and high speeds is desired, the magnetic and mechanical performance of the core structure are important challenges. Therefore, prior to the final design, these need to be analyzed with regards to the core magnetic behavior and mechanical robustness which cause degradation in torque quality and harmful deformation at critical points in the rotor structure. At low speed, the high current demand at maximum torque makes the core magnetic performance dominant, whereas at high speed the mechanical behavior of the rotor core structure limits the machine performance. This paper presents a comparative analysis of different core characteristics to improve the core magnetic and mechanical performance of the SynRM equipped with a transversal laminated anisotropic rotor type for automotive applications.