Abstract: A method is provided to facilitate optimizing a winding and lamination configuration an electric machine. The method employs a computer including a microprocessor for executing computer functions, a database for storing optimization data, and a two-level optimization algorithm that has a first optimization module and a second optimization module. The method includes generating a plurality of data sets utilizing the first determining an optimum response surface based the data sets, utilizing the second module, determining an optimum data set based on the optimum response surface, utilizing the first module, and outputting an optimum winding and lamination configuration based on the optimum data set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for modeling an electric motor. The method includes the steps of interpolating a flux density for each angular position within an air gap of the electric motor from a predetermined air gap and tooth magnetization magnetomotive force versus air gap flux density curve, decomposing the interpolated flux density into a set of harmonic components using a fast Fourier transform and determining a flux density error function from the decomposed set of harmonic components.

Abstract: Power is provided to the stator windings of an AC machine which includes a component at the fundamental drive frequency for the machine and a superimposed signal component which is at a substantially higher frequency than the drive power. The rotor has saliencies which result in a change in impedance as seen at the stator windings to the high frequency excitation signal as a periodic function of rotor rotational position. Such saliencies are inherent in some permanent magnet synchronous and all synchronous reluctance machines, and may be provided by appropriate modification of the rotor of induction machines. The stator response at the signal frequency is then detected to provide a correlation between the response at the signal frequency and the rotor position.

Abstract: Power is provided to the stator windings of an AC machine which includes a component at the fundamental drive frequency for the machine and a superimposed signal component which is at a substantially higher frequency than the drive power. The rotor has saliencies which result in a change in impedance as seen at the stator windings to the high frequency excitation signal as a periodic function of rotor rotational position. Such saliencies are inherent in some permanent magnet synchronous and all synchronous reluctance machines, and may be provided by appropriate modification of the rotor of induction machines. The stator response at the signal frequency is then detected to provide a correlation between the response at the signal frequency and the rotor position.

Abstract: Power is provided to the stator windings of an AC induction machine which includes a component at the fundamental drive frequency for the machine and a superimposed signal component which is at a substantially higher frequency than the drive power. The fundamental drive power is provided at a level which results in saturation in the stator which follows the magnetic flux vector. The stator response at the signal frequency is then detected to provide a correlation between the response at the signal frequency and the magnetic flux vector position. The detection of the response at the signal frequency is preferably carried out by a heterodyne detection process, by mixing signals at the signal frequency with the measured stator currents, and filtering the mixed signals to isolate the signal indicative of the flux vector position.