Design of single-phase induction motors with fully processed steel

International legislation demanding high efficiency motors is the great challenge facing motor manufacturers. The use of new topologies, materials and processes are the key to have motors accepted in the market. The use of fully processed steel has increased considerably in the last few years due to its competitive price and better magnetic properties. With lower losses and/or higher permeability, this steel allows a considerable improvement of motor efficiency. However its use requires a good understanding of its mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties. This works presents the results of simulation and tests obtained from small motors for refrigeration using different fully processed steels. Results show that, under some conditions, the use of fully processed steel may lead to motors having the same efficiency as those using the semi-processed steel. Additionally, the annealing sometimes neglected by some manufacturers, requires some care when aluminum is in the steel composition.