A computationally efficient design procedure for actuator motors using magnetic reluctance-and thermal resistance network models

This paper deals with a computationally efficient design framework for permanent magnet electrical machines within a multi-motor drive environment. A magnetic reluctance based machine model, together with a thermal resistance network model are used to model the most significant machine non-linearities during both healthy and faulty conditions. The model structure and functionality is described and is applied to the optimisation of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) in an aerospace actuator arrangement. Both magnetic reluctance and thermal resistance network models are validated against Finite Elements (FEM) calculations for the electromechanical behaviour and simulation in a special thermal motor design tool for the thermal behaviour respectively.