Minimisation of losses in permanent magnet synchronous generator for high speed applications

In recent years, the demand for higher efficiency and more compact machine increase rapidly, particularly in high speed application. High speed machines are being developed for many applications such as machine tools, compressors, vacuum pumps, friction welding units, turbine generators and so on. With equivalent shaft power specification high speed electrical machines present lower volume and mass compared with standard machines. The design of these machines involves loss determination. Electric machines have different losses in each of their parts. Usually copper and iron losses represent the major part. The computation of the core losses of PM machines aroused great interest in recent years. The losses of Interior permanent magnet synchronous machine (IPMSM) and Surface mount permanent magnet synchronous machine (SPMSM) are determined using Maxwell software. Core loss can be reduced by replacing core material with an amorphous alloy. Thus the efficiency and hence performance of the high speed machine can be improved. The thermal behaviour of the machine is a very important aspect. The steady-state temperature rise under rated condition is used to judge the heat distribution of the machine. A comparative study between these two machines is done along with thermal analysis using Ansys mechanical workbench.