Unequal Teeth Widths for Torque Ripple Reduction in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines With Fractional-Slot Non-Overlapping Windings

Permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with fractional-slot non-overlapping windings, also known as tooth-coil winding PMSMs (TCW PMSM), have been under intensive research during the latest decade. There are many optimization routines explained and implemented in the literature to improve the characteristics of this machine type. This paper introduces a new technique for torque ripple minimization in TCW PMSM. The source of torque harmonics is also described. The low-order torque harmonics can be harmful for a variety of applications, such as direct drive wind generators, direct drive light vehicle electrical motors, and for some high-precision servo applications. The reduction of the torque ripple harmonics with the lowest orders (6th and 12th) is realized by machine geometry optimization technique using finite element analysis. The presented optimization technique includes the stator geometry adjustment in TCW PMSMs with rotor surface permanent magnets and with rotor embedded permanent magnets. Influence of the permanent magnet skewing on the torque ripple reduction and cogging torque elimination was also investigated. It was implemented separately and together with the stator optimization technique. As a result, the reduction of some torque ripple harmonics was attained.