Design of new generation synchronous reluctance motor for washing machines

With the changing energy regulations in the white goods sector, the efficiency of the electric motors used has become an important factor. With the necessity brought by the regulations, the transition from universal motors to brushless synchronous motors in washing machines has gradually gained speed. However, with the need for drivers brought by this transition, a cost disadvantage arises. In addition, fluctuations in the magnet price of the magnet motors used and the price of the magnet due to the fact that most of the raw material is in the Far East countries pose a great risk for mass production conditions. In this study, considering these risks and costs, a synchronous reluctance motor suitable for new-generation washing machines was designed without the need for magnets in order to eliminate them. In line with this aim, the mathematical equations of the synchronous reluctance motor have been obtained. In line with the preliminary results obtained by using these equations, the next step was the Maxwell program. In particular, the design of the rotor barriers, which cannot be fully defined with the equations, was made with the Maxwell program, taking into account the torque, torque fluctuation, and efficiency effect.SynRM, which has 12 slots, 4 poles, distributed winding, 3-phase, 3480-8584 rpm speed range, and 4 different rotor structures, has been analyzed and optimized for the air gap, bridge thickness, and end bridge thickness, and the best result among them has been revealed and recommended for washing machine motor.