This paper presents the analytical, numerical, and experimental results obtained with a double excited synchronous machine (DESM) prototype designed and constructed for an electric vehicle traction system. To obtain a wide speed range, the flux-weakening technique is implemented. Analytical design, 2-D finite element method (FEM) analysis, thermal analysis, and prototype construction of the DESM are discussed, and the performances are assessed with experimental data.

This paper describes the design of a high-speed three-phase switched reluctance machine to drive a compressor for the air management of a fuel-cell system for automotive applications. The machine geometry is optimized by means of a finite-element method coupled to a genetic algorithm. The performance of the optimized machine is evaluated, taking into account the iron and air-friction losses. Some theoretical and numerical results are sustained by the measured ones in the same operating conditions.

This paper presents a new optimization approach, based on a hybrid algorithm, used for the design of a new high-speed permanent magnet synchronous machine (HS-PMSM). The HS-PMSM is used for the electromagnetic propulsion system (i.e., the machine will be connected to a magnetic gear) of an electric vehicle. The hybrid optimization algorithm combines two differential evolution methods and a memory mechanism, in order to increase the quality of the algorithm. The evolution of the rotor structure of the HS-PMSM (running at 22 000 r/min) is presented, as well as some aspects of the mechanical risks due to centrifugal forces. The best suited variant will be optimized based on the new optimization approach and the solution will be numerically and experimentally validated.

This paper presents the performances of a surface-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous machine (SM-PMSM) from the electromagnetic and structural analysis point of view, which are evaluated numerically and through tests. The goal is to evaluate the possibility to use this SM-PMSM for the propulsion of a light-electric vehicle (L-EV), knowing that on one hand it has the best power density and, on the other hand, a torque wave with high ripples induces vibration and noise. This paper discusses the limits and the advantages for such a propulsion solution in order to evaluate its suitability for the L-EV applications.

The use of electrical drives and machines with very high number of phases is not a common topic of researchers, because of the control difficulties and the important number of switches needed to assure the operation in faulty conditions. The advantage of using a high number of legs/phases provides smooth mechanical performances (i.e., reduced torque ripples), without increasing the number of poles (this last approach, is usually applied for fractional-slot machines, increases frequency, and consequently the iron loss). The authors are proposing a nine-phase drive to supply a permanent magnet synchronous machine. A prototype of nine-phase drive machine is constructed. Its capability to operate in faulty conditions will be evaluated by numerical computation and tests. It will be proved that the proposed solution can operated even in the most severe faulted conditions (78% of the drive machine being faulted).

This paper presents an analytical method for improving the optimal design of electromagnetic devices obtained analytically. This method extracts the significant parameters by using the gradient of difference between the outputs of the analytical model and those obtained with a finite-element method. These parameters are then employed to build a response surface in a reduced dimension space by using the moving least square method. To assess its viability, we compared our method to another recent approach in the optimal design of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor. The results show our method's superiority in terms of improvement of the solution and approximation of the real objective function .