Geometry optimization to increase the flux control range of a double excitation synchronous motor

International audience; This paper deals with a structural optimization to improve the open circuit flux control capability of a double excitation synchronous motor. In this kind of motor, the air-gap flux varies according to the field current. It can be weakened or enhanced when decreasing or increasing the field current. For a specific machine geometry, minimum and maximum air-gap flux are found at certain field currents. It is, therefore, desirable to minimize the minimum flux and maximize the maximum one to improve the controlling effectiveness of the field windings. That objective is the focus of this paper through a structural optimization. The machine is modeled by using an equivalent magnetic circuit network. Some interesting points on the non-dominated pareto front will be verified against ones obtained with the 3-D finite element method.