Thermal modeling and analysis for IPMSM

Interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous motors are a very promising design alternative in comparison with other types of electrical motors. Even though the price of rare-earth magnets has become a severe concern, IPM motors are gaining increasing attention due to their high torque density and excellent field weakening performance. Most researchers pay attention on the electromagnetic analysis only. However thermal analysis also needs to be focused. In this study, a development of thermal modelling and analysis for IPMSM will be presented. A 3D transient electromagnetic analysis coupled to a 3D transient with thermal motion analysis is conducted to calculate the transient temperature. This method is not only restricted to the calculation of the magnetic field distribution but is extended to assess the temperature rise in the machine quantitatively. The interchange of energy between the electromagnetic and thermal fields is taken into consideration. At the end, the predicted temperatures can be achieved to avoid failure of the machine.