Asymmetric Flux Barrier and Skew Design Optimization of Reluctance Synchronous Machines

In this paper, an investigation into an alternative topology for reluctance synchronous machine rotor flux barriers is presented. The investigated topology employs a high number of flux barrier variables with an alternative asymmetric rotor structure. The focus in this paper is on maximizing average torque and minimizing torque ripple, using finite element-based design optimization, in order to study the possibility of achieving acceptably low torque ripple. A subsequent investigation into the effect of rotor skew on the proposed optimized design to reduce torque ripple even further is also conducted, as well as the manufacturing and testing of the proposed flux barrier prototype.