The rapid electrification of transportation has driven the demand for high-performance Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (IPMSMs), particularly for electric vehicle (EV) applications. Achieving high efficiency, power density, and reliability requires careful optimization of both the electrical and mechanical aspects of the motor.
This project aims to extend the existing 4-pole DAB-type rotor topology to explore 6-pole and 8-pole configurations, leveraging multiphysics optimization to enhance both mechanical robustness and electromagnetic performance. The study will involve a comprehensive comparative analysis of the three rotor configurations, evaluating key parameters such as torque ripple, efficiency, thermal performance, structural integrity, and manufacturability.
A key outcome of this project will be the development of a parametric rotor design model, allowing for flexible topology generation based on user-defined inputs. This will provide a valuable tool for future design iterations, supporting next-generation high-speed motor development for EV applications.
School
Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
Research Area
Interior permanent magnet synchronous machines | Multiphysics optimisation | Electric vehicle drives
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
The student will be hosted at the UNSW Electric Drive Lab, working alongside researchers in electric machines and motor optimization. They will access motor loading test facilities, including HBM (200 Nm) and TQM (120,000 rpm, 1.2 Nm) torque transducers, high-speed inverters, dSPACE MicroLabBox controllers, and high-bandwidth measurement devices. A three-phase power supply with protection systems ensures safe testing. This hands-on experience will enhance their high-speed IPMSM design and optimization skills, contributing to the development of next-generation electric vehicle traction motors.
- Review of IPMSM technological developments over last 5 years
- Parametrised model of 6-pole and 8-pole double-tied-arch IPMSM rotors
- An optimised high-speed IPMSM design based on real-world EV requirements (Sunswift EV)
- UNSW Newsroom: New very-high-speed motor offers improved power density for use in electric vehicles
- G. Chu, R. Dutta, D. Xiao, J. E. Fletcher, and M. F. Rahman, “Development and Optimisation of a Mechanically Robust Novel Rotor Topology for Very-high-speed IPMSMs,” IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, 2023, doi: 10.1109/TEC.2023.3258463.