Simplified model of synchronous reluctance machine with optimized flux barriers

Finite element method is a powerful tool in analysis of electrical machines; however, the computational cost is high depending on the geometry of analyzed machine. In synchronous reluctance machines with transversally laminated rotors, the anisotropy of magnetic circuit is provided by flux barriers which can be of various shapes. Flux barriers of shape based on Zhukovski’s curves seem to provide very good electromagnetic properties of the machine. Complicated geometry requires a fine mesh which increases computational cost when performing finite element analysis. By using magnetic equivalent circuit, it is possible to obtain good accuracy at low cost. This paper presents magnetic equivalent circuit of synchronous reluctance machine with new type of flux barriers. Numerical calculation of flux barriers’ reluctances will be also presented.