Optimization of synchronous reluctance rotors as replacements for squirrel cages of small induction motors up to an IEC frame of 90

Inhalt:
The potential of synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM) as cost-neutral replacements of different induction motors (IM), operated with frequency inverters, is investigated. The stators are taken from the induction motors to reduce investment costs as a result of new tooling and production facilities. Because of this, only the development of the magnetic circuit of the rotors is necessary, which is the main target of this paper. The designed motors have a higher efficiency than the respective induction motors. The main electromagnetic constraint for the optimization of every one of the reluctance rotors is the at least equal mean torque. In addition to that the torque ripple is aimed to be at most equal to the one of the respective induction motor. Finite element simulations and analytical calculations are used to compare both motors’ mean torque and torque ripple during the optimization process. The optimized geometries are validated by means of measurements of the manufactured prototypes.