Finite element analysis of a novel brushless DC motor with flux barriers

The paper describes the finite-element modelling of a novel form of brushless DC machine, which is of the interior magnet type, and uses radial flux barriers in the q-axis. It is shown that the machine can give more torque than its conventional interior magnet counterpart if the magnetic saturation of the machine is the same in both cases. The work is supported by results taken from an 11 kW prototype machine.