Setting Up an IPM Motor Model in Motor-CAD for Optimization – Transcript

00:02Hello everyone, welcome back. In the last video, we introduced to the process of optimizing IPM motors using MotorCAD and OptiSling. Now let's dive into the first step, setting up our motor model in MotorCAD. First, let's start by creating a new motor design by recklessly altering

00:28one of the default templates. In this case, we'll use the E8. This is an IPM design that's based off of the motor inside of a 2012 Nissan Leaf. Now let's modify the parameters to make this a more unique design. I'm going to start by switching the motor template to ratio-based parametrization in MotorCAD. This approach makes scaling and optimization much

00:53easier because it uses ratios rather than fixed dimensions. These ratios will link key dimensions like the stator bore slot depth and slot width in a tree structure that shows their levels of dependency. For example, if I adjust the stator bore, the slot depth and width automatically scale with it.

01:16Any of these variables in the tree can be made independent if you want. By unchecking the scale box for certain parameters, I can keep them constant even when their parent dimensions are updated. For instance, if I uncheck the scale for the slot opening, it stays fixed while the slot width scales. The interface also shows the mathematical equation governing each ratio. This is incredibly useful for understanding how changes propagate through

01:46the design and for fine-tuning specific dimensions. Using this, let's try to scale up the motor geometry to make it bigger and more powerful by changing the stator lamination diameter from 198 millimeters to 250. I also increased the slot number from 48 to 72 and increased the pole number from 8 to 12. To maintain radial symmetry, I took out one of the rotor duct layers and

02:14increased the number of ducts in the remaining layers from 8 to 12. Here in the axial tab, I also increased some of these axial dimensions. In the winding tab, I increased the wire gauge until I saw that the wire slot fill value was as close to 1 as I could get it. In the input data tab, I changed the stator and rotor's material to a higher grade steel and I changed to a stronger

02:41magnet. I left everything else the same and ran an electromagnetic simulation to test it out. Unsurprisingly, the larger machine's operating point requires a supply voltage higher than what's available from the DC bus. To fix this, I could increase the DC bus, lower the speed, or adjust the winding configuration. I elected to test the motor out at 2000 rpm. At this speed,

03:08the model solves without exceeding operating parameters. Key outputs like maximum torque, average torque, and input output power levels are shown, along with the system efficiency of about 97.5%. The back EMF and phase voltages appear balanced with the DC supply and the current values are consistent with a stable operating point at 2000 rpm. Overall, these parameters

03:36form a good baseline reference which I can use to measure the effects of future design modifications. Now that the model is ready, we're all set to link it with Optoslang for optimization. In the next video, I'll show you how to perform that integration, allowing you to seamlessly transition from design to optimization. I'll walk through how to connect MotorCAD to Optoslang, register the necessary input and output parameters, and prepare for a

04:04sensitivity analysis. If you're following along and have any questions, leave a comment below. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss the next part of our IPM Motor Optimization Series. Thanks for watching.