Interior PM Motor Design and Analysis Using EMWORKS MOTORS Package

Sumeet Singh   .   January 6, 2025

Introduction

Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motors represent a significant advancement in the field of electric motor technology. These motors have rapidly gained popularity due to their superior efficiency, torque density, and controllability. These motors have found widespread use in a range of industries, including electric vehicles (EVs), industrial automation, and renewable energy systems. The evolution of IPM motors has been propelled by advancements in materials science, particularly with the advent of high-performance rare-earth magnets, and by innovations in computational modelling tools, such as the EMWORKS MOTORS software. These tools allow for precise simulations that enable engineers to optimize motor design before physical prototypes are developed, saving time and resources.

This blog explores the design and analysis of a V-shaped Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motor using the EMWORKS MOTORS package for simulation and evaluation. The study refers to the research by Hamza Diyar, whose master’s thesis at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University introduced the design and application of low-power IPM motors [1]. Building on his foundational work, we simulated a similar motor to derive key performance metrics, including torque, power, back EMF, and flux characteristics. The study underscores the potential of IPM motors in modern electric drive systems, highlighting the role of simulation-driven design methodologies in improving motor performance. Using the EMWORKS MOTORS package, a template-based motor simulation tool, we will explore the design process step by step, simulate performance metrics, and discuss the implications for real-world applications.

Design and Simulation Using EMWORKS MOTORS Package

The design of the IPM motor in question features a V-shaped magnet arrangement within the rotor, which maximizes flux concentration and enhances torque production while minimizing cogging torque. This innovative design allows for a high-performance, compact motor that is ideal for various applications, particularly in electric vehicles and industrial automation[2-4]. 

Fig. 1: Reference 3D Design of the IPM motor [1]
A circular object with colored pencils Description automatically generated
Fig. 2: 2D Template (Live Preview) of IPM motor in EMWORKS MOTORS Package
Fig. 3: 3D Template (CAD Preview) of IPM motor in EMWORKS MOTORS Package

Key design parameters include

  • Rated Power: 1.5 kW
  • Base Speed: 2600 rpm
  • Number of Slots and Poles: 12 and 10
  • Stator Material: High-grade electrical steel (M36, 60 Hz, 0.47 mm)
  • Rotor Magnets: NdFe35 permanent magnets

EMWORKS MOTORS package is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of designing and simulating electric motors using a template-based approach. The software leverages built-in design templates for various types of electric motors, including IPM motors, and provides a quick, easy way to customize the motor design to specific requirements. 

The design process using MotorWizard can be broken down into several key steps:

  1. Motor Type Selection: Begin by selecting the motor type - Interior Brushless Permanent Magnet (BPM) in this case. EMWORKS MOTORS provides templates that are tailored for different motor configurations, allowing users to quickly choose the right template for the desired motor type.
  2. Design Parameter Input: After selecting the motor template, users can input critical design parameters such as rated power, rated speed, number of poles, and material properties for both the stator and rotor. The tool supports various materials, including electrical steel and permanent magnets, to ensure an accurate representation of the motor’s electromagnetic properties.
  3. Geometry Configuration: Define the rotor and stator geometry, including dimensions and the arrangement of permanent magnets within the rotor. In this case, the V-shaped magnet arrangement was modeled, which maximizes the concentration of flux and improves the overall performance of the motor.
Fig. 4: Stator slot and rotor pole properties in EMWORKS MOTORS
  1. Simulation Setup: Once the motor geometry and design parameters are defined, users can set up the simulation environment. The software simulates the motor’s electromagnetic behavior under these conditions to evaluate performance metrics such as torque, efficiency, and back EMF.
  2. Advanced Mesh and Analysis Setup: It automatically generates a mesh for the motor geometry and runs the finite element analysis (FEA) solver. The solver computes the magnetic flux distribution, electromagnetic forces, and other key parameters. The software uses advanced algorithms to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable, even in complex motor configurations like the V-shaped rotor design.
  3. Performance Analysis: After the simulation is completed, the software generates detailed reports and visualizations. These include torque-speed curves, back EMF waveforms, flux density plots, and efficiency maps. These results provide valuable insights into the motor’s performance, allowing engineers to fine-tune the design for optimal efficiency and functionality.