Metamodel-based Optimization of Anisotropic Rotor Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

Axial flux motors have some significant advantages over radial flux motors in high torque-density applications. However, the optimization of axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motors is a challenging task; the analysis usually requires 3D finite element analysis or the application of the 2D multi-slice method. In this paper a novel single-surrogate multi-slice method (SS-MSM) is proposed for modeling anisotropic rotor axial flux permanent magnet motors. However, the general methodology can be applied to other axial flux motors as well. A model calibration methodology has been described where the SS-MSM parameters have been determined using a 2D finite element approach as a reference. The SS-MSM was found to be suitable for a fast and reasonably accurate approximation of the motor performance. Based on the described analysis method, an efficient optimization approach is proposed.