Performance evaluation and experimental analysis of a novel single‐phase brushless PM motor

Abstract

In order to equip the single‐phase brushless permanent magnet (PM) motor with self‐starting capability without a complex structure, we present a new kind of asymmetric air‐gap topology which can lead to the d‐, q‐axis magnetic circuit asymmetry of the motor. The field‐circuit‐coupling finite element method simulation model of the proposed motor controlled with a constant V/f control is built by using the 2D Maxwell software. The geometric parameters of the motor are also optimized by changing pole arc ratio of the PM (αp) and its eccentricity (e), and the operational characteristic is investigated. Finally, an experimental platform of the prototype and its control system are set up. Performance comparison of the experimental results and simulation results of the proposed motor running in various operating modes is reported. All the results show that the asymmetric air‐gap single‐phase brushless PM motor has potential to be used in the household appliances. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.