Working Principle

The permanent magnet synchronous motor working principle is similar to the synchronous motor. It depends on the rotating magnetic field that generates electromotive force at synchronous speed. When the stator winding is energized by giving the 3-phase supply, a rotating magnetic field is created in between the air gaps.

This produces the torque when the rotor field poles hold the rotating magnetic field at synchronous speed and the rotor rotates continuously. As these motors are not self-starting motors, it is necessary to provide a variable frequency power supply.

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.

SPM versus IPM

A PM motor can be separated into two main categories: surface permanent magnet motors (SPM) and interior permanent magnet motors (IPM). Neither motor design type contains rotor bars. Both types generate magnetic flux by the permanent magnets affixed to or inside of the rotor.

SPM motors have magnets affixed to the exterior of the rotor surface. Because of this mechanical mounting, their mechanical strength is weaker than that of IPM motors. The weakened mechanical strength limits the motor’s maximum safe mechanical speed. In addition, these motors exhibit very limited magnetic saliency (Ld ≈ Lq).

Inductance values measured at the rotor terminals are consistent regardless of the rotor position. Because of the near unity saliency ratio, SPM motor designs rely significantly, if not completely, on the magnetic torque component to produce torque.

IPM motors have a permanent magnet embedded into the rotor itself. Unlike their SPM counterparts, the location of the permanent magnets makes IPM motors very mechanically sound, and suitable for operating at very high speeds. These motors also are defined by their relatively high magnetic saliency ratio (Lq > Ld). Due to their magnetic saliency, an IPM motor has the ability to generate torque by taking advantage of both the magnetic and reluctance torque components of the motor.

The development prospect of permanent magnet motor

The future of permanent magnet motors appears promising, driven by the need for energy efficiency, the expansion of renewable energy, and the growing demand for industrial automation. With ongoing research and development efforts, it is anticipated that permanent magnet motors will continue to evolve, offering even higher efficiency, power density, and reliability. As a result, they will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future.