Cogging torque comparison of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators with different stator windings

This paper presents the comparison between the cogging torques produced by four IPMSGs (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators) with different stator winding configurations. More in detail, an IPMSG model, which is derived from a commercial geometry, is analyzed through means of a FEM (Finite Element Method) approach. Then, three more structures are determined and analyzed by adequately changing the number of stator slots of the basic IPMSG stator structure and by maintaining the same rotor configuration. From the obtained simulation results, the cogging torque components for each structure are determined and compared. From this comparison, it can be stated that the use of dissymmetric windings does not affect significantly the generated cogging torque.

I. Introduction

Over the last decades the adequate use of renewable energy resources towards a sustainable development has been one of the most important issues faced by the scientific community [1]–[16]. In this context, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines have acquired great significance in the field of electrical drives and renewable energies, especially because of their great advantages in comparison with machines of the traditional type [17]. In order to improve their performances, the scientific research has been directed towards the optimization of torque/weight and torque/moment of inertia ratios [18], efficiency [19] and through the minimization of the generated cogging torque [20]–[22]. The latter is a very critical phenomenon that could affect the generator performances for certain applications.