Test Bed Estimation and Reduction of Cogging Torque using Multiphysics Simulation Tool

Brushless DC Motors (BLDCMs) are widely employed in industrial drive applications due to their advantageous characteristics such as long lifespan, high efficiency, and power density. Consequently, they are considered excellent choices for applications requiring high-starting torque and constant speed, such as electric transportation propulsion.However, the intrinsic cogging torque creates negative impact on the performance such as torque ripple and unwanted vibration. The estimation and minimization of cogging torque is still a challenge to enhance the performance of the motor. There are various expensive monitoring systems available to measure the cogging toque whereas in this paper, cogging torque is estimated on laboratory level test bed. The test bench experimentation is performed for 12 slots, 8 pole BLDCM and is validated using multiphysics simulation tool. The results such as projected 3D views, flux flow patterns and cogging torque waveform for the base model and modified model are compared and presented. Furthermore, this work aims at bringing out a design for a BLDCM to reduce the effect of cogging torque and increase its performance by creating notch on the stator teeth. The cogging torque of the modified motor is observed to be less than the conventional motor