This paper proposes a methodology for shape optimization of the starting cage of a line start permanent magnet synchronous motor motor with the aim to improve its synchronization performance. The parameters of the machine are established from a field-circuit model, where the magnetic field is simulated using a finite element method (FEM). A strategy for evaluating machine parameters exploiting parallel computing is proposed. To facilitate the use of FEM package, bespoke procedures have been developed and model parameterization applied with the aid of the scripting language Visual Basic. A particle swarm algorithm has been adapted for design optimization purposes. The proposed strategy has been verified via test simulations.Index Terms-Electromagnetic field, finite-element analysis, line start permanent magnet synchronous motor, optimization methods.

The paper presents the optimization method and computer software for the design of a low-power line-start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSM). The in-house-developed computer software was created with two independent modules: (a) the optimization procedure and (b) the numerical model of the motor. The optimization procedure used was a metaheuristic optimization method based on the gray wolf algorithm. Four design variables linked to the rotor structure were selected. The optimization process was performed from the rotor of a low-power induction motor (IM). The prototype of the motor (LSPMSM) was then built. The experimental measurements were performed for base the IM and optimized LSPMSM. The results of the measurements were compared for both motors. The experimental results confirmed the better performance of the designed motor in comparison to the induction motor.

This paper presents the algorithm and computer software for constrained optimization based on the gray wolf algorithm. The gray wolf algorithm was combined with the external penalty function approach. The optimization procedure was developed using Borland Delphi 7.0. The developed procedure was then applied to design of a line-start PM synchronous motor. The motor was described by three design variables which determine the rotor structure. The multiplicative compromise function consisted of three maintenance parameters of designed motor and one non-linear constraint function was proposed. Next, the result obtained for the developed procedure (together with the gray wolf algorithm) was compared with results obtained using: (a) the particle swarm optimization algorithm, (b) the bat algorithm and (c) the genetic algorithm. The developed optimization algorithm is characterized by good convergence, robustness and reliability. Selected results of the computer simulation are presented and discussed.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare parameters and properties of optimal structures of a line-start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSM) for the cage winding of a different rotor bar shape. Design/methodology/approach The mathematical model of the considered motor includes the equation of the electromagnetic field, the electric circuit equations and equation of mechanical equilibrium. The numerical implementation is based on finite element method (FEM) and step-by-step algorithm. To improve the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm convergence, the velocity equation in the classical PSO method is supplemented by an additional term. This term represents the location of the center of mass of the swarm. The modified particle swarm algorithm (PSO-MC) has been used in the optimization calculations. Findings The LSPMSM with drop type bars has better performance and synchronization parameters than motors with circular bars. It is also proved that the used modification of the classical PSO procedure ensures faster convergence for solving the problem of optimization LSPMSM. This modification is particularly useful when the field model of phenomena is used. Originality/value The authors noticed that to obtain the maximum power factor and efficiency of the LSPMSM, the designer should take into account dimensions and the placement of the magnets in the designing process. In the authors’ opinion, the equivalent circuit models can be used only at the preliminary stage of the designing of line-start permanent magnet motors.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to elaborate the algorithm and computer code for the structure optimization of the outer rotor permanent magnet brushless DC motor and to execute optimization of selected motor structure using the non‐deterministic procedure.Design/methodology/approachThe mathematical model of the device includes the electromagnetic field equations with the nonlinearity of the magnetic core taken into account. The numerical implementation is based on the finite element method and stepping procedure. The genetic algorithm has been applied for the optimization. The computer code has been elaborated.FindingsThe elaborated computer software has been applied for the optimization and design of BLDC motors. The elaborated algorithm has been tested and a good convergence has been attained.Originality/valueThe presented approach and computer software can be successfully applied to the design and optimization of different structure of BLDC motors.