Traction Motor Optimization Using Mesh Reshaping for Gradient Evaluation

Optimization of electrical machines is a challenging task that can be solved using either gradient based or nongradient based methods. While gradient based methods are theoretically much more efficient, their performance is often compromised in applications where finite element analyses are used for performance evaluation. In this paper, a common pitfall of gradient evaluation and a method for overcoming it is discussed. A special gradient based optimization approach that employs mesh reshaping for gradient analyses and standard remeshing for other steps is proposed. The performance of this optimization approach is evaluated in a representative case study of a traction motor design optimization. The results clearly highlight the benefits of the mesh reshaping technique.