Torque ripple analysis for IPM AC motors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new cause of torque ripple in interior permanent magnet (IPM) alternating current (AC) motors, which is common but has hardly been studied. The paper also proposes a new method to suppress the total torque ripple. Design/methodology/approach – Besides the well-known cogging torque and mutual torque ripple, a new ripple which exists in the reluctance torque is found. It is verified with both analytical model and finite element analysis. Also, a novel method is proposed to reduce the reluctance torque ripple, with experimental validation. Findings – It is usually said that the winding inductances of an IPM AC motor vary sinusoidally with the rotor position, thus, the d-axis and q-axis inductances are constant, whilst the reluctance torque is smooth. However, in most practical motors, the inductances vary irregularly, causing a significant ripple in the reluctance torque. Moreover, in machine design, it is always desirable to suppress the cogging torque...