Axially-Laminated Synchronous Reluctance Machine Rotor Materials and Evaluation of Manufacturing Methods: Mechanical and Electromagnetic Validation

Abstract

High-speed (HS) electric machines increase power density by elevating rotor speed, enabling direct connection to an application such as compressors or turbine impellers. These features benefit, for example, industrial or aviation applications. The HS operation requires a rugged rotor to handle the high centrifugal loads, while the electromagnetic performance should, at the same time, be acceptable. This research investigates the mechanical and electrical performance of three axially laminated anisotropic synchronous reluctance rotor configurations for a 12 kW 24 000 rpm motor. The axially laminated rotors have magnetic and non-magnetic layers joined using hot isostatic pressing or vacuum brazing. The results show that all the studied rotor constructions achieve sufficiently homogeneous structures, and good electromagnetic performance, and are feasible for HS operation.