Investigation on Performance Characteristics of IPM for Electric Vehicles Considering Driving Conditions and Pole-Slot Combinations

This paper shows the characteristics of performance for interior permanent magnet machine (IPM) considering driving conditions such as maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) and flux-weakening control especially in terms of harmonic loss. In particular, based on finite element analysis (FEA), permanent magnet (PM) eddycurrent loss and the harmonic iron loss have been computed where the models have been intentionally designed to identify the effects of pole-slot combinations on the loss while maintaining the required power for electric vehicle. From the analysis results, it was shown that the rotor iron loss and PM eddy-current loss of machine employing fractional slot winding are extremely large at load condition. Furthermore, it was revealed that the harmonic iron loss at high-speed operation is mainly distributed over stator teeth and rotor surface, which may aggravate cooling system of the rotor structure in the vehicle.