Design and Analysis of 1.5kW, 1500 rpm Line-Start Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

Abstract

The efficiency improvement is one of the main research topics in the field of electrical machines nowadays. The three-phase induction machines represent the majority of the machines used in the industry. Due to that, there is a motivation for researches to investigate how to improve induction machines efficiency or how to replace them with other types of machines having higher efficiency level. The benefits of the induction machine are line-start capability, robustness, and price. Line-start capability means that there is no need for extra power electronics. Avoiding of the power electronics in the case when only one certain load point is needed can lead to a price decrease, smaller environmental footprint, and more compact solution. An alternative machine type that can provide potentially higher efficiency compared to the induction machine, especially for small powers is a line-start permanent magnet machine.The topic of this paper is dedicated to the design and analysis of a 1.5 kW four-pole line-start permanent magnet machine for general usage. The designed line-start permanent machine is using the same stator lamination as the standard commercial 1.5 kW totally enclosed fan-cooled induction machine. The results of the design, together with electromagnetic analysis of the line-start permanent magnet machine performance, are illustrated. It is demonstrated that a simple replacement of the induction machine rotor by the line start permanent magnet rotor using the presented approach can facilitate in achieving of the higher efficiency level of the machine.