Special magnetic wedge design optimization with genetic algorithms for cogging torque reduction in permanent-magnet synchronous machines

Permanent magnet synchronous machines, especially if designed with open stator slots, may suffer from important cogging torque issues. A special magnetic wedge design has been presented in a companion paper to cope with this problem. The design of such wedge is herein processed through a genetic algorithm in order to find the optimal configuration, which leads to cogging torque minimization. An optimal design configuration is found and compared to non-optimal ones to quantify the benefits that can be achieved by genetic optimization.