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This paper investigates the harmonic losses and torque ripple of a surface permanent magnet (SPM) motor driven by pulsewidth-modulated inverter for a wide range of switching frequencies (SFs), using a 2-D nonlinear time stepping finite-element model, including strand conductors proximity effect, coupled with an appropriate external electric circuit. Such a method enables the estimation of torque ripple as well as the accurate prediction of the eddy current losses in the windings, lamination core, and PMs, respectively. Moreover, the total power losses of the inverter are calculated via analytical techniques. The analysis undertaken proposes an optimum SF, in terms of overall drive system efficiency and torque quality, considering multiple operating conditions. The simulated results are validated by measurements on a prototype SPM actuator, illustrating that the SF plays an important role on SPM motor drive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper introduces a comparative study on the design of aerospace actuators concerning induction motor and permanent-magnet motor technologies. In the analysis undertaken, the two candidate configurations are evaluated in terms of both their electromagnetic and thermal behaviors in a combined manner. On a first step, the basic dimensioning of the actuators and their fundamental operational characteristics are determined via a time-stepping finite-element analysis. The consideration of the thermal robustness of the proposed motor configurations is integrated in the design procedure through the appropriate handling of their respective constraints. As a result, all comparisons are carried out on a common thermal evacuation basis. On a second step, a single objective optimization procedure is employed, considering several performance and efficiency indexes using appropriate weights. Manufacturing and construction-related costs for both investigated topologies are considered by employing specific penalty functions. The impact of the utilized materials is also examined. The resultant motor designs have been validated through manufactured prototypes, illustrating their suitability for aerospace actuation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]