An examination for improvement of constant output characteristics at high-speed region in a spoke-type IPMSM using ferrite permanent magnet by changing the shape of rotor surface

In recent years, interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) using ferrite permanent magnet are being studied for high power density motor application, such as electric vehicles. However, the residual flux density of ferrite magnet is lower than that of rare-earth permanent magnet. Thus, in general, it is difficult for IPMSMs using ferrite magnet to maintain constant high output power in high-speed region. Accordingly, a spoke-type IPMSM using ferrite magnet with specification similar to the currently commercially available IPMSM using rare-earth magnet is examined in this research. Owing to increasing constant output power in high-speed region, analysis with 3D-FEA was conducted and the analysis results show that the constant output characteristics in high-speed region are improved by contriving the shape of the rotor surface. Moreover, experimental results of a prototype of the examined spoke-type IPMSM using ferrite magnet will be presented in this paper.