Optimization of Flux Barriers of Line-start Synchronous Reluctance Motors for Transient- and Steady-state Operation

—In this work, an electromagnetic design procedure for a line-start synchronous reluctance motor is presented, and the main considerations are highlighted. To improve the steady-state performance of this motor, the geometry of the flux barriers as well as their number are optimized using an automatic optimization algorithm. For this purpose, two types of flux barriers, arc shaped and trapezoidal shaped, are formulated and studied by finite-element analysis. Analyzing the average cage torque during synchronization, effectiveness of the dq-axis rotor resistances on successful synchronization is discussed. To validate the results of this analysis, dynamic simulations are used, and the impact of the dq-axis rotor resistances on synchronization is investigated. In addition, the effect of the rotor bar position on the value of the dq-axis rotor resistances is discussed and analyzed by finite-element analysis. Finally, the impact of small pieces of permanent magnet in the flux barriers is studied. It is shown that against the permanent magnet-assisted motor, permanent magnets always enhance the motor performance; the steady-state characteristic of the line-start permanent magnet assisted motor could be deteriorated by permanent magnet.