Abstract
Although three-phase induction motors are the most common motor type in industry, a growing interest has arisen in emerging electric motor technologies like synchronous reluctance motors and permanent magnet motors. Synchronous reluctance motors are a step forward compared to permanent magnet motors when the cost of the system is considered. The main focus of this study is low-power industrial applications, which generally use three-phase induction motors. In this study, the synchronous reluctance motor family is compared at three different power levels: 2.2 kW, 4 kW, and 5.5 kW. The aim of this study is to design and compare synchronous reluctance motors, which can be alternative to the reference induction motors. Finite element analysis is performed for the reference induction motors initially. Their stators are kept the same and the rotors are redesigned to satisfy output power requirements of the induction motors. Detailed design, analysis, and optimization processes are applied to the synchronous reluctance motors considering efficiency, power density, and manufacturing. The results are evaluated, and the optimized designs are chosen for each power level. They are prototyped and tested to measure their performance.
Highlights
Increasing attention to energy efficiency makes electric motor technology important when considering the percentage of their energy consumption
Different types of electric motors are used in low-power industrial applications dependent on the needs of the system
Permanent magnet motors and synchronous reluctance motors are becoming an alternative solution for low-power industrial applications
Summary
Increasing attention to energy efficiency makes electric motor technology important when considering the percentage of their energy consumption. Different types of electric motors are used in low-power industrial applications dependent on the needs of the system. Permanent magnet motors and synchronous reluctance motors are becoming an alternative solution for low-power industrial applications. Even though permanent magnet motors are more efficient compared to induction motors, their cost is still higher because of the permanent magnet. Demagnetization is another drawback of permanent magnet machines. Synchronous reluctance motors (SynRMs) have become prominent since the rotor does not have any conductor or any permanent magnet. It costs almost the same as the induction motor, and its efficiency is higher at the same power ratings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
