FEM-based benchmark problem for cogging torque minimization of axial flux permanent-magnet motors in Artap framework

Abstract

Optimization of axial flux permanent-magnet motors is a very important topic in the literature and requires high performance optimization algorithms and finite element analysis. This paper gives a summary of the analysis methods of axial flux permanent-magnet motors currently available in the literature. An open-circuit model was built and described using the 2D Linear Motor Modeling Approach. The model was validated by comparing air-gap flux-density waveform and cogging torque results with one of the motors described in the literature as a benchmark problem. The aim of the study was to create a method for the axial-flux motor optimization based on the open-circuit finite element model using the Artap software. By applying the described method, it is possible to use local and global optimization algorithms, such as evolutionary and genetic algorithms, directly using the finite element analysis results. The proposed finite element model can be used for benchmarking and selecting the most appropriate evolutionary and genetic algorithms for this kind of optimization problems.