Electromagnetic design and experimental validation of a low-power IPM motor
摘要
Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motors have become prominent in low-power applications such as HVAC systems, pumps, robotics, and electric vehicles (L1 and L2 classes), where energy efficiency is of critical importance, due to their high-power density, wide operating speed range, and superior efficiency. These motors are widely preferred in modern drive systems, particularly because of their stable performance under variable load conditions and their compact structure. In addition, their high power-to-weight ratio contributes significantly to overall system energy savings. In this study, an IPM motor with a rated power of 0.8 kW and a 10/12 pole/slot configuration was designed for low-power drive applications, and its electromagnetic performance was comprehensively evaluated. The motor’s geometric structure, magnetic flux distribution, torque production, losses, and efficiency characteristics were analyzed using the finite element method (FEM). The FEM-based results were validated through experimental studies. A strong correlation was observed between the nominal torque and power values obtained from FEM analyses and those measured experimentally, with the overall discrepancies remaining below 3%. Specifically, the deviation was 1.6% at 3000 r/min under nominal torque conditions and 1.3% at the peak torque value. The results demonstrate that the proposed motor successfully meets key performance criteria, including high efficiency and stable torque production in the low-power range.