Finite-element-aided design optimization of a shaded-pole induction motor for maximum starting torque

A method of optimizing the design of a shaded-pole induction motor for maximum starting torque with the aid of finite element modeling and a modified hybrid global-local search method combining the niching Genetic Algorithm with a direct search method is presented. By invoking the Genetic Algorithm and the deterministic method in turn, the solution with the global minimum is secured while simultaneously improving the convergence speed. The performance of the hybrid search method is demonstrated with an ideal mathematical problem first, before applying it to the shaded-pole motor design.