Abstract
In this paper, the 12-slot/4-pole (12/4) synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) with concentrated windings is proposed for low-cost hybrid vehicles. The non-linear magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model of the 12/4 SynRM is built to obtain the main electromagnetic characteristics such as coil flux, inductances, torque, etc. The magnetic saturation is also counted in by the MEC. Results calculated by MEC are validated by 2D finite element analysis (FEA). Then, aiming at larger average torque, lower torque ripple and lower total harmonic distortion (THD) in phase voltage, the parameter optimization method of the SynRM is proposed based on the Taguchi method and the MEC model. The proposed Taguchi-MEC method enables a fast optimization with satisfactory accuracy. Finally, the motor prototype is manufactured, and experimental validations are carried out.