Radially embedded permanent magnet rotor and methods thereof

In one embodiment, a permanent magnet rotor for use with a stator is provided. The permanent magnet rotor includes at least one permanent magnet and a substantially cylindrical rotor core including an outer edge, a hub having an inner edge defining a central opening, and a plurality of independent pole pieces spaced from the hub radially about the central opening. The rotor core further includes at least one radial aperture extending radially from the outer edge through the rotor core between adjacent independent pole pieces, the at least one aperture configured to receive the at least one permanent magnet.