Cost-optimal machine designs fulfilling efficiency requirements: A comparison of IMs and PMSMs

This article presents a study about cost-optimal machine designs fulfilling mandatory efficiency requirements. A case study for a rated power of 3kW and speed of 1500rpm is considered and the tradeoff material costs vs. efficiency are optimized. A comparison is made for induction machines and permanent magnet synchronous machines. As in the past the price for Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnets was volatile, two different scenarios regarding the material costs of the permanent magnets are evaluated. The cost-optimal machine designs for both topologies are further analyzed regarding thermal indices, power density, and optimal ratios of geometric dimensions. The results shall provide valuable insights and serve as a guidance for both people from academia and industry involved in the process of future machine design.