A surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) is an electric motor with a simple magnetic circuit design, fast responsiveness, linear torque–current characteristics, speed–voltage characteristics, and constant operating speed. SPMSMs use only magnetic torque; however, interior PMSMs (IPMSMs) have high power densities because they can use reluctance torque. In addition, when flux-weakening control is used, the operating range is wide compared with the SPMSM. This study presents a comparative analysis of the characteristics of SPMSM and bar-type IPMSM. Characteristic analyses are performed by setting the same stator shape, rated speed, number of turns, winding specifications, voltage limit, and magnet usage in a pole/slot combination of six poles and 27 slots. Next, we compare the no-load back electromotive force, cogging torque, and loss characteristics, and perform a characteristic analysis of each model while satisfying the design specifications. No-load and load tests are performed using a back-to-back system. The results of the analysis and experimental results are in good agreement, and the reliability of the analysis results is guaranteed. The SPMSM is approximately 8.5% superior to the IPMSM in terms of core loss, and the eddy current loss is greater than that of the IPMSM.

This study presents a two-dimensional analytical method for fast optimization, taking into consideration the influence of the eddy current in a magnet and iron loss within a coaxial magnetic gear. Subdomain modeling was utilized to obtain vector potentials in the air-gap, magnet, and modulation regions by solving Maxwell’s equations. After that, the magnet, rotor, and modulation losses were predicted and then compared using a finite element method simulation within three topologies with gear ratios ranging from five to six. The authors improved the machine performance, specifically the torque density, by employing a multi-objective function with particle swarm optimization. The flux density obtained using subdomain modeling in just 0.5 s benefits the optimization process, resulting in a torque-density optimal model after around 3 h. A 3/19/16 prototype targeting a low-speed, high-torque, permanent generator application was fabricated to verify the analytical and simulation results.

This study presents an analysis of the electromagnetic noise and vibration in a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SPMSM), focusing on their excitation sources. To investigate this, the excitation sources were identified through an analytical approach, and their effects on electromagnetic noise and vibration were evaluated using a finite element method (FEM)-based analysis approach. Additionally, an equivalent curved-beam model based on three-dimensional shell theory was applied to determine the deflection forces on the stator yoke, accounting for the tooth-modulation effect. The stator’s natural frequencies were derived through the characteristic equation in free vibration analysis. Modal analysis was performed to validate the analytically derived natural frequencies and to investigate stator deformation under the tooth-modulation effect across various vibration modes. Furthermore, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) analysis via FEM reveals that major harmonic components align closely with the natural frequencies, identifying them as primary sources of elevated vibrations. A comparative study between 8-pole–9-slot and 8-pole–12-slot SPMSMs highlights the impact of force variations on the stator teeth in relation to vibration and noise characteristics, with FEM verification. The proposed method provides a valuable tool for early-stage motor design, enabling the rapid identification of resonance operating points that may induce severe vibrations. This facilitates proactive mitigation strategies to enhance motor performance and reliability.

Permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with an overhang structure can increase power density by compensating for the increased magnetic energy of permanent magnets. To analyze the overhang structure, a three-dimensional (3D) analysis of PMSMs is essential. However, 3D analysis takes a long time and the modeling process is complicated in the initial design stage. To overcome these problems, a magnetic equivalent circuit technique is applied to the 2D model. In this paper, an optimal design method for PMSMs with an overhang structure is proposed based on the semi 3D magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) and random walk method. By using semi 3D MEC, it is possible to quickly analyze PMSM and obtain accurate electromagnetic analysis results considering the overhang effect. Moreover, the volume and weight of PMSM can be minimized by optimizing the rotor’s four design parameters using a random walk algorithm. To obtain high efficiency, the objective function is selected so that copper loss is minimized under the same constraints. The validity of the proposed design technique is verified by comparing the analysis results of semi 3D MEC and 3D finite element method for the derived optimal model.

This study investigates the electromagnetic and NVH characteristics of an outer-rotor surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous generator (SPMSG) for wave energy applications, focusing on the effect of rotor eccentricity. To reflect potential fault due to manufacturing or assembly defects, a 0.5 mm rotor eccentricity was introduced in finite element method (FEM) simulations. The torque ripple waveform was analyzed using fast Fourier transform (FFT) to identify dominant harmonic components that generate unbalanced electromagnetic forces and induce structural vibration. These harmonic components were further examined under variable marine operating conditions to evaluate their impact on acoustic radiation and vibration responses. Based on the simulation and analysis results, a design-stage methodology is proposed for predicting vibration and noise by targeting critical harmonic excitations, providing practical insights for marine generator design and improving long-term operational reliability in wave energy systems.

As rare-earth permanent magnet prices continue to fluctuate, interest in non-rare-earth permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motors (PMa-SynRMs) is increasing. However, non-rare-earth PMa-SynRMs have a multi-layer structure with interior permanent magnets to compensate for the low magnetic fields. Therefore, the rotor has several design parameters, and electromagnetic analysis is time-consuming. To overcome these challenges, magnetic equivalent circuit analysis was used to perform fast electromagnetic analysis of non-rare-earth PMa-SynRMs. In addition, the validity of the proposed method was confirmed through a comparison of the obtained results with those of finite element analysis.