Dimensioning of a permanent magnet synchronous machine for electric vehicles according to performance and integration requirements

Abstract

Finding the optimum design of electrical machines for a certain purpose is a time-consuming task. First results can be achieved, however, with scaling known machine designs in length and turns per coil by means of analytical equations, while scaling in diameter requires finite element analysis (FEA), since electromagnetic properties change significantly. In this paper, the influence of diameter, length and turns per coil on the torque, power and efficiency of a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) are investigated in a sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, their impact on energy consumption in different drive cycles and different vehicle types is outlined. A highway car and a city car are compared in a highway cycle, a city cycle and the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle test Cycle. The results describe significant differences in energy consumption for different machine designs in one application but also between different applications. This highlights the necessity to decide whether or not the powertrain should be optimized for a single purpose or for universal use.