Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives for More-Electric Aircraft

This paper deals with the more-electric aircraft. The electrification of the anti-torque system of helicopters is considered. In particular, the focus is on the design of permanent magnet synchronous motors for a distributed tail rotor architecture. Although this technology offers superior torque-density, special attention must be paid during the design stage. The most relevant issues that need to be addressed are the demagnetization of permanent magnets and the motor overheating in case of fault, due to the high short-circuit currents. Several electric motor design solutions are analyzed in this paper to improve the system reliability. In particular, the optimization of both stator and rotor structures, and multi three-phase windings arrangements are discussed.