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GR-08

FINITE ELEMENT AIDED DESIGN OPTIMISATION OF A SHADED-POLE these are changed by the optimising routine. Using this scheme, the number of optimisation
INDUCTION MOTOR FOR MAXIMUM STARTING TORQUE variables is decreased leading to significant reduction of computing time.

Dawei Zhou and Chinniah B. Rajanathan 3. Application and Conclusions

University of Abertay Dundee, Bell Street, Dundee DDI IHG, Scotland, UK The proposed method was applied to a 4-pole, 50 W, 230 V, 50 Hz, SPIM, setting maximum
1. Introduction starting torque as the optimisation objective. Based on the results of a sensitivity analysis [4],
nine variables of the SPIM, shown in Fig.l and Fig. 2, were chosen as the variable vector in the
Despite its simplicity of construction, the Shaded-Pole Induction Motor (SPIM) optimisation. Fig. 3 shows the shape of the initial design which transforms to the final shape of
presents formidable difficulties when it needs to be designed to specifications. This paper Fig. 4 after optimisation. In order to show the shapes of the internal parts, the field distribution
focuses on optimising the design of a reluctance augmented SPIM for maximum starting is not shown in Fig. 3. The details of optimisation parameters for both before and after
torque aided by 2D multi-slice finite element modelling (FE) technique. To reduce the optimisation are compared in Table 1. It is seen that after optimisation, the starting torque is
number of optimisation variables a parameterised automatic re-meshing scheme is employed increased significantly.
that depends only on a few key geometrical parameters.
Table 1: Optimisation Result of SPIM
2. Optimisation scheme Variables Initial OPtimised
Rr (mm) 22.80 22.90
The choice of the optimisation algorithm and the calculation of the objective function are the
HI (mm) 0.29 0.19
two key points to consider in an optimisation procedure. In recent years, much attention has Rl (mm) 2.03 1.83
been paid to stochastic methods, such as genetic algorithm or simulated annealing, which H2 (mm) 8.08 6.28 Fig. 3 Initial design shape
have the advantage of leading to a global minimum. However, their slow convergence to the R2 (mm) 0.86 1.16
minimum makes their use unattractive when a FE model is for the calculation of the objective Skew (slot) 1.50 1.10
function. With deterministic methods, the global optimisation result can also be secured by a (0) 25.0 2.70
using a different set of initial points to check whether the same minimum is obtained Rsl (mm) 23.85 23.55
consistently [2]. Adopting the latter approach, a modified form of the deterministic Hooke- turns (turns) 730 660
Optimisation objective:
Jeeves method is used in this work. As to the objective function calculation program, in
starting torque (N.m) 2.11*10-2 4.33*10- 2
order to strike a balance between high accuracy and speed, a 2D multi-slice FE model which Fig. 4 Flux distribution of fmal design (u=220V)
can meets this demand is adopted in this paper. With this model, the skewed rotor, the
In interesting to note the reduction of a from 25 degrees in the starting design to 2.7 degrees
saturation of the iron parts and the skin effect of conducting regions can all be taken into
in the optimised design suggesting a question why the reluctance augmentation, a main
account.
means of increasing the starting torque, is not used in this particular design. The extended
paper will examine this in more detail and arrive at criteria to decide when to use reluctance
augmentation. The SPIM is generally designed and built for fan application and therefore the
demand on starting torque is not onerous but by designing a SPIM optimised for maximum
starting torque, one can extend the range of application where starting torque is a significant
factor.
-----Rr·-----
Fig. 1 Rotor geometrical parameters Fig. 2 Stator geometrical parameters References
The design of the rotor slot shape and the pole shape of the reluctance augmented SPIMs 1. T. Yokozuka, lEE Proc. 1983, Vol. 130. Pt. B, No.5, pp.341-346
are critical in meeting the performance specification in terms of the starting torque. To avoid 2. S. Williamson & C. 1 McClay, IEEE Trans. on Industry Application. 1996, vol. 32,
too many optimisation parameters that are needed by the ordinary point-control technique No.3, pp 560-568
which are often used for shape optimisation problems[3], a parameterised re-meshing scheme 3. S. Park, H. Lee & I. Park, IEEE Trans. on MAG. 1995, vol. 31, No.3, pp 2004-2007
is introduced. With this scheme, the topology of the whole mesh is described by several key 4. H. Sadghi & E. F. Richards, Conf. Proceeding ofIAS'95,1995, pp759 -766
geometrical parameters shown in Fig.1 & Fig.2, and the mesh nodes automatically shift when