Comparative study on concentrated-windings permanent magnet synchronous machines with different rotor structures for aircraft generator application

Concentrated windings permanent magnet machines are becoming a promising choice in aircraft generator application due to their advantages of compact structure, small short-circuit current and high power density. In this paper, the concentrated-windings permanent magnet synchronous machines (CW-PMSM) with four different types of rotor structure are investigated for the application of the aircraft starter/generators. The fundamental features of these types of PM machine are analyzed and compared by finite element analysis(FEA). The d/q-axis inductances are discussed particularly to illustrate the ability to restrict short-circuit current by the reactance. The analysis results indicate that the rotor structures significantly have an influence on the performances of CW-PMSM and the Spoke IPM will be a good candidate for the starter/generator application.