Design Optimization of Electric Machines with 3D FEA and a New Hybrid DOE-DE Numerical Algorithm

Abstract

This paper discusses the multi-objective optimization of axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines with ferrite spoke-type magnets, utilizing 3D finite element models. Three-dimensional finite element analysis is computationally expensive, and furthermore, substantial computation time is expended by optimization algorithms in evaluating low performing designs whose performance is far from the optimum if the search space is not specified correctly. In this regard, this work proposes two new methods for identifying the search space. The search is limited to ranges of input geometric variables where high performing designs are likely to be found. The optimization algorithm utilized is based on surrogate models and differential evolution. It is found that the combined use of these approaches drastically reduces the solution time.

The Financial Aspects behind Designing a Wind Turbine Generator

“…Likewise, in [9], general sizing equations and the GA are used for optimization of a wind generator with nominal power of 1 kW and nominal speed of 100 rpm. In [12,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36], design optimization of [8,[37][38][39][40][41], Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (AFPMSM) with nominal speeds much higher than 100 rpm are proposed, while the economic effect of the optimization was not examined. In [8,[37][38][39][40][41], AFPMSMs are optimized using the cost factor as a parameter.…”

“…In [12,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36], design optimization of [8,[37][38][39][40][41], Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (AFPMSM) with nominal speeds much higher than 100 rpm are proposed, while the economic effect of the optimization was not examined. In [8,[37][38][39][40][41], AFPMSMs are optimized using the cost factor as a parameter. More specifically, in [8], the material of the permanent magnet was examined for machine optimization purposes by means of a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO).…”

“…The influence on the machine construction cost was also examined. In [39], a New Hybrid DOE-DE Numerical Algorithm is proposed for machine optimization, while the material cost was also taken into account, although, the economic analysis presented the cost values normalized per unit, without providing the exact system prices. In [40], a fully superconducting wind generator was designed.…”