Are wound-rotor synchronous motors suitable for use in high efficiency torque-dense automotive drives?

This paper discusses the possibility of using wound-rotor synchronous motors in automotive drive applications. Currently the brushless rare-earth magnet machine is the main choice of drive motor because it has high efficiency and it is very torque-dense, although some vehicles using induction motors. Issues with rare-earth material supply means manufacturers are looking at alternatives. This paper reviews the requirements for a wound-rotor synchronous machine using a current automotive drive application and carries out some load simulations using 2D finite element analysis. Direct comparison is made to a brushless permanent-magnet machine and first-pass designs are presented. It is found that there are possibilities for this machine in this application; possibilities that current practice largely ignores.