Optimisation of a Modified SynRM Based on a New Design Strategy Considering Line-Start Capability and Improved Power Factor

Abstract

This paper presents a modified structure of synchronous reluctance motors (SynRMs) combined with a new design strategy in which hybrid optimisation is considered to enhance line start capability and power factor. The rotor design, along with some embedded permanent magnets (PMs), has an important effect on the static performance. In the proposed SynRM, the rotor bars are designed for the flux barriers, and some additional bars are considered near the q-axis. The PM arrangement is changed so that some additional PMs are considered. In the proposed design strategy, two optimisation procedures called local and global optimisation phases are considered. In the first step, genetic algorithm (GA) is used to obtain optimal geometric parameters for some performance metrics. In the next step, the global response surface method is applied to combine the mentioned metrics and determine the globally optimal design for both stator configurations. In the last optimisation process, improvement of line-start capability and power factor are proposed as the main goals. The analysis results show that the design proposed by SynRM has better performance in terms of line-start capability and power factor. Experimental validation of the proposed SynRM is also presented to confirm the accuracy of the finite element method (FEM) simulation.