Electromagnetic and Systems Design of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for an Electric Vehicle

Abstract

This project explores the analysis and design of a Surface Permanent Magnet (SPM) motor for an electric racecar application. Magnetic fields and forces are analyzed using simplified magnetic circuits as well as the more accurate magnetic scalar potential and the Maxwell stress tensor. Thermal analysis is performed to determine peak and continuous current capability. Parameter sweeps are used to optimize machine design for a 20 kW hub motor in a student-built high-performance electric vehicle. The optimization maximizes simulated points scored in the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) competition. Performance is estimated with full-vehicle sensitivities linearized around the point of breaking traction.