Different Slot Configurations for Direct-Drive PM Brushless Machines

This work describes the design and optimization process of a direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous machine that is suitable for electric motorcycles. The machine is designed to de-velop approximately the same power than a conventional 250cc motorcycle internal combustion engine. The main goal of this work is to design an outer-rotor machine that is coupled directly to the wheel (direct-drive or in-wheel motor), so it is necessary to know the dimensions and arrangements of the wheels. The direct-drive systems don´t need any gearbox to drive the vehicle, so that the global efficiency is higher than conventional systems employing a gearbox. The design and performance of the machine are assessed by means of simulations using the finite element method. The finite element method is the main tool to optimize the machine´s design.