Finite-element analysis of brushless DC motor considering freewheeling diodes and DC link voltage ripple

This paper deals with the characteristic analysis of a brushless dc motor (BLDC) taking into consideration the freewheeling diodes and dc link voltage ripple using a time-stepped voltage source finite-element method. By comparing the experimental results, the authors show that the proposed computational method is useful for the analysis and design of a BLDC motor. They also examine the influence of freewheeling diodes and dc link voltage ripples on the performance of a BLDC motor such as torque ripples and radial force on the surface of the teeth.