Parameter-topology hybrid optimization of electric motor with multiple permanent magnets

A hybrid optimization method that combines parameter optimization (PO) with topology optimization (TO) is proposed for the design of a permanent magnet (PM) motor. The PM shape, configuration, and flux barrier topology were simultaneously optimized using the proposed method. The conventional hybrid method that deals with a single PM is effectively extended to deal with multiple PMs parameterized by several geometrical parameters. The use of this extension makes it possible to search for the optimal rotor structure of the multiple-PM motor, which is widely used in electric vehicles. The results obtained by the proposed method are shown superior over those obtained by conventional method. The rotor structure with double-U shaped PMs with small flux barriers near the airgap was obtained by the optimization.