Multi-Material Topology Optimization for IPM Machine with Efficient Rare-Earth PM Utilization

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-material topology optimization (TO) to efficiently utilize rare-earth permanent magnet (REPM) material and improve the machine performance. The proposed approach employs a density-based TO method to optimize the multi-material distribution inside the rotor domain. The TO algorithm optimally redistributes air, silicon-steel, and REPM. The objective function of the TO is to maximize the average torque of the IPM motor while constraining the material volume of both silicon-steel and REPM to below that utilized in the conventional design. The results demonstrate that multi-material TO is a highly effective strategy for developing a new generation of sustainable electric machines. The topology optimized configuration achieved an approximate 4% increase in torque density while reducing the amount of REPM used by 12.5%. Moreover, the amount of silicon steel required for the optimized rotor is 9% lower than the conventional design.