Optimized design of a high-power-density PM-assisted synchronous reluctance machine with ferrite magnets for electric vehicles

This paper proposes a permanent magnet (PM)-assisted synchronous reluctance machine (PMASynRM) using ferrite magnets with the same power density as rareearth PM synchronous motors employed in Toyota Prius 2010. A suitable rotor structure for high torque density and high power density is discussed with respect to the demagnetization of ferrite magnets, mechanical strength and torque ripple. Some electromagnetic characteristics including torque, output power, loss and efficiency are calculated by 2-D finite element analysis (FEA). The analysis results show that a high power density and high efficiency of PMASynRM are obtained by using ferrite magnets.