Methods to Improve the Cogging Torque Robustness Under Manufacturing Tolerances for the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

This article discusses a method to consider the effects of the manufacturing uncertainties on the additional cogging torque harmonics. With this method, the sensitivity analysis can be incorporated into the design stage instead of just checking it afterwards. With the authors' previous work of the worst-uncertain-combination-analysis (WUCA) method, several design parameters and their effects on the additional cogging torque harmonics under uncertainties are discussed. It is demonstrated that a design with inherent robustness can be obtained through the proper selection of pole-arc coefficient and slot-opening width. In addition, a sensitivity index is proposed to estimate the effects of parameter uncertainties on torque harmonics. Some suggestions on improving the design robustness are consequently provided from the aspects of tolerances control and parameter design. The deductions are verified through finite element analysis (FEA) on different pole/slot configurations.