Machine Attributes

Machine Attributes

The first step in Motor Wiz is selecting the machine type and topology. These fundamental choices define the operational principles, efficiency characteristics, and design constraints of the motor.

 i. Machine Type   

Motor Wiz supports four main motor types, each with unique characteristics:

IPMSM (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor)

  • The permanent magnets are embedded within the rotor, utilizing both magnetic torque (from magnets) and reluctance torque (from rotor saliency).

  • Offers high torque density, improved field weakening capability, and higher efficiency at a wider speed range.

  • Commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs), industrial drives, and renewable energy applications.

SPMSM (Surface Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor)

  • Permanent magnets are mounted on the rotor surface, producing only magnetic torque.

  • Delivers high power density and efficiency but has limited field-weakening capability.

  • Used in high-speed applications like aerospace, robotics, and traction motors.

SynRM (Synchronous Reluctance Motor)

  • Does not use permanent magnets; instead, it relies on rotor saliency to generate torque.

  • Provides a cost-effective and robust solution with high efficiency, particularly in high-temperature environments.

  • Suitable for industrial automation, HVAC systems, and applications requiring high efficiency with minimal rare-earth material dependency.

SCIM (Squirrel Cage Induction Motor)

  • Rotor Construction: The rotor of a SCIM is made up of conductive bars (usually aluminum or copper) short-circuited by end rings, forming a cage-like structure.

  • Electromagnetic Induction: The stator produces a rotating magnetic field that induces current in the rotor bars, which produces torque and allows the rotor to follow but never fully catch up with the stator field (asynchronous operation).

  • Simple, Rugged Design: SCIM motors are robust, low maintenance, and widely used due to their simple construction, high reliability, and ability to self-start when connected to a three-phase AC supply.

 ii. Topology   

Internal Rotor

  • In an internal rotor motor, the rotor is centrally placed within the stator, and the stator windings generate the rotating magnetic field.

  • The heat generated by the rotor is transferred to the stator and dissipated more effectively, enhancing thermal management.

  • These motors are widely used in EVs, robotics, industrial machinery, pumps, and HVAC systems due to their compact size and high efficiency.

Internal rotor motors can be permanent magnet (IPMSM/SPMSM), reluctance (SynRM), or induction-based, depending on the application requirements.
    • Related Articles

    • Motor Wiz - An Overview

      The Motor Wiz module is the heart of the PiCAD-Motor application. It allows users—whether engineers, researchers, or students—to perform advanced motor design, simulation, and analysis. This module integrates machine attributes, material properties, ...
    • Operating Point

      The Operating Point in Motor Wiz represents the combination of motor speed, torque, current, voltage, and thermal conditions under which the motor functions. From a user perspective, this module allows designers and engineers to analyze the ...
    • Stator Winding

      The Stator Winding section in Motor Wiz is central to electric motor performance, as it directly determines the electromagnetic torque, back-EMF, efficiency, and thermal behavior. From a user perspective, this section allows engineers to customize ...
    • Geometry Data

      The Geometry Data section in Motor Wiz is a critical part of motor design, as it defines the physical dimensions and spatial relationships of the motor’s components. From a user perspective, this section provides both a design canvas and a simulation ...