The defining feature of PMACMs – the permanent magnets within their rotor – are acted upon by the rotating magnetic field (RMF) of the stator windings, and are repelled into rotational motion. This is a deviation from other rotors, where the magnetic force must be induced or generated in the rotor housing, requiring more current. This means that PMACMs are generally more efficient than induction motors, as the rotor’s magnetic field is permanent and does not need a source of power to be used for its generation. This also means that they require a variable frequency drive (VFD, or PM drive) to operate, which is a control system that smooths out the torque produced by these motors. By switching the current on and off to the stator windings at certain stages of rotor rotation, the PM drive simultaneously controls torque and current and uses this data to calculate rotor position, and therefore the speed of the shaft output. They are synchronous machines, as their rotational speed matches the speed of the RMF. These machines are relatively new and are still being optimized, so the specific operation of any one PMACM is, for now, essentially unique to each design.

EMF and Torque Equation

In a synchronous machine, the average EMF induced per phase is called dynamic induces EMF in a synchronous motor, the flux cut by each conductor per revolution is Pϕ Weber

Then the time taken to complete one revolution is 60/N sec

The average EMF induced per conductor can be calculated by using

( PϕN / 60 ) x Zph = ( PϕN / 60 ) x 2Tph

Where Tph = Zph / 2

Therefore, the average EMF per phase is,

= 4 x ϕ x Tph x PN/120 = 4ϕfTph

Where Tph = no. Of turns connected in series per phase

ϕ = flux/pole in Weber

P= no. Of poles

F= frequency in Hz

Zph= no. Of conductors connected in series per phase. = Zph/3

The EMF equation depends on the coils and the conductors on the stator. For this motor, the distribution factor Kd and pitch factor Kp are also considered.

Hence, E = 4 x ϕ x f x Tph xKd x Kp

The torque equation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor is given as,

T = (3 x Eph x Iph x sinβ) / ωm

Why choose permanent magnet AC motors?

Permanent magnet AC (PMAC) motors offer several advantages over other types of motors, including:

High Efficiency: PMAC motors are highly efficient due to the absence of rotor copper losses and reduced winding losses. They can achieve efficiencies of up to 97%, resulting in significant energy savings.

High Power Density: PMAC motors have a higher power density compared to other motor types, which means they can produce more power per unit of size and weight. This makes them ideal for applications where space is limited.

High Torque Density: PMAC motors have a high torque density, which means they can produce more torque per unit of size and weight. This makes them ideal for applications where high torque is required.

Reduced Maintenance: Since PMAC motors have no brushes, they require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan than other motor types.

Improved Control: PMAC motors have better speed and torque control compared to other motor types, making them ideal for applications where precise control is required.

Environmentally Friendly: PMAC motors are more environmentally friendly than other motor types since they use rare earth metals, which are easier to recycle and produce less waste compared to other motor types.

Overall, the advantages of PMAC motors make them an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, industrial machinery, and renewable energy systems.

Permanent magnet synchronous motors with internal magnets: Maximum energy efficiency

The permanent magnet synchronous motor with internal magnets (IPMSM) is the ideal motor for traction applications where the maximum torque does not occur at maximum speed. This type of motor is used in applications that require high dynamics and overload capacity. And it is also the perfect choice if you want to operate fans or pumps in the IE4 and IE5 range. The high purchase costs are usually recouped through energy savings over the run time, provided that you operate it with the right variable frequency drive.

Our motor-mounted variable frequency drives use an integrated control strategy based on MTPA (Maximum Torque per Ampere). This allows you to operate your permanent magnet synchronous motors with maximum energy efficiency. The overload of 200 %, the excellent starting torque, and the extended speed control range also allow you to fully exploit the motor rating. For fast recovery of costs and the most efficient control processes.

Permanent magnet synchronous motors with external magnets for classic servo applications

Permanent magnet synchronous motors with external magnets (SPMSM) are ideal motors when you need high overloads and rapid acceleration, for example in classic servo applications. The elongated design also results in low mass inertia and can be optimally installed. However, one disadvantage of the system consisting of SPMSM and variable frequency drive is the costs associated with it, as expensive plug technology and high-quality encoders are often used.

Applications:

Permanent magnet synchronous motors can be combined with frequency converters to form the best open-loop step-less speed control system, which has been widely used for speed control transmission equipment in petrochemical, chemical fiber, textile, machinery, electronics, glass, rubber, packaging, printing, paper making, printing and dyeing, metallurgy and other industries.

Self-sensing versus closed-loop operation

Recent advances in drive technology allow standard ac drives to “self-detect” and track the motor magnet position. A closed-loop system typically uses the z-pulse channel to optimize performance. Through certain routines, the drive knows the exact position of the motor magnet by tracking the A/B channels and correcting for errors with the z-channel. Knowing the exact position of the magnet allows for optimum torque production resulting in optimum efficiency.

Flux weakening/intensifying of PM motors

Flux in a permanent magnet motor is generated by the magnets. The flux field follows a certain path, which can be boosted or opposed. Boosting or intensifying the flux field will allow the motor to temporarily increase torque production. Opposing the flux field will negate the existing magnet field of the motor. The reduced magnet field will limit torque production, but reduce the back-emf voltage. The reduced back-emf voltage frees up the voltage to push the motor to operate at higher output speeds. Both types of operation require additional motor current. The direction of the motor current across the d-axis, provided by the motor controller, determines the desired effect.

Advantages of PMAC Motors
The primary advantage of PMAC motors lies in their efficiency. They operate without the need for any electrical current to generate a magnetic field. As a result, they experience fewer electrical losses commonly found in traditional AC synchronous motors. This enhanced efficiency leads to reduced heat generation, ultimately improving the motor's lifespan and reliability.

In addition to their efficiency, PMACs offer several other benefits. They boast a higher torque capacity and achieve better utilization of torque, facilitating faster acceleration. Furthermore, their compact design, high torque density, and lightweight construction allow them to be installed in smaller spaces without compromising performance output. Moreover, PMAC motors excel in maintaining a higher continuous torque across a wide range of speeds, benefiting from reduced rotor inertia and enhanced dynamic performance under load.

PMAC motors are able to achieve high efficiency at low speeds, making them suitable for applications that require low-speed operation, such as fans and pumps.