Shaping the topology of a single phase BLDC motor for reduced cogging torque and improved performance

Abstract

In the paper is presented a step-by-step development of the topology for a novel single phase permanent magnet (PM) brushless DC (BLDC) motor, aiming to improve its operation with more efficient utilisation of the active materials. The studied motor is based on a generic design, where asymmetrical stator poles and respective shaping of the permanent magnets is applied. Accurate 2D finite element simulations were employed for numerical prototyping of the motor design, until the expected results were obtained. Based on FEA, cogging and static torque waveforms, along with other relevant performance characteristics were determined and examined. The results show that the motor topology, and in particular, the detailed shape of the stator poles has the most important impact on the smooth operation of the single phase BLDC permanent magnet motor.