Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power

Loubna Boudjelida; Redjem Rebbah; Çağdaş Hisar

doi:10.30939/ijastech..1801053

Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power

Abstract

Synchronous reluctance motors (SynRMs) have gained renewed interest as economical, mag-net-free alternatives to permanent magnet and induction machines, particularly for small- and medium-power electric vehicle propulsion systems where cost, efficiency, and sustainability are critical. Their main advantages include simple construction, high reliability, and suitability for sustainable drive systems. However, SynRMs inherently suffer from torque ripple, acoustic noise, and limited power factor, mainly due to the anisotropic nature of their magnetic design. This study presents a fully integrated Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA)–Finite Ele-ment Method (FEM) framework, which simultaneously minimizes torque ripple and maximizes output power by systematically optimizing rotor flux barrier geometry, in contrast to traditional trial-and-error or single-objective optimization methods. The optimization process evaluates key rotor design parameters, including flux barrier angles, widths, and insulation ratios, while explor-ing a wide design space and corresponding objective function values. FEM analysis is employed at each optimization iteration to accurately assess electromagnetic performance and ensure con-vergence toward the optimal solution. The optimized rotor demonstrates a substantial perfor-mance improvement, with the average torque increasing from 13.15 Nm to 19 Nm and the output power rising from 4.13 kW to 6 kW. The power factor is improved from 0.85 to 0.9, indicating enhanced efficiency and reduced reactive current demand. Moreover, torque ripple is quantita-tively reduced from 8.95% to 8.5%, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed optimization strategy. The introduction of barrier fillets further decreases flux density in the tangential ribs, thereby reducing mechanical stress and core losses. These results confirm that systematic opti-mization of flux barrier geometry can significantly enhance SynRM performance without the use of permanent magnets or complex rotor structures, preserving simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Automotive Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Loubna Boudjelida ^*
0009-0006-4218-062X
Algeria

Redjem Rebbah
0000-0001-5547-4375
Algeria

Çağdaş Hisar
0000-0001-8278-3501
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 15, 2026

Submission Date

October 10, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 3, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech..1801053

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA96HF99NW

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Boudjelida, L., Rebbah, R., & Hisar, Ç. (2026). Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology, 10(1), 179-190. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech..1801053

AMA

1.Boudjelida L, Rebbah R, Hisar Ç. Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power. IJASTECH. 2026;10(1):179-190. doi:10.30939/ijastech.1801053

Chicago

Boudjelida, Loubna, Redjem Rebbah, and Çağdaş Hisar. 2026. “Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 10 (1): 179-90. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech. 1801053.

EndNote

Boudjelida L, Rebbah R, Hisar Ç (March 1, 2026) Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 10 1 179–190.

IEEE

[1]L. Boudjelida, R. Rebbah, and Ç. Hisar, “Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power”, IJASTECH, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 179–190, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.30939/ijastech..1801053.

ISNAD

Boudjelida, Loubna - Rebbah, Redjem - Hisar, Çağdaş. “Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 10/1 (March 1, 2026): 179-190. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech. 1801053.

JAMA

1.Boudjelida L, Rebbah R, Hisar Ç. Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power. IJASTECH. 2026;10:179–190.

MLA

Boudjelida, Loubna, et al. “Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology, vol. 10, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 179-90, doi:10.30939/ijastech. 1801053.

Vancouver

1.Loubna Boudjelida, Redjem Rebbah, Çağdaş Hisar. Rotor Design and Optimization of the Flux Barrier Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Reducing Torque Ripple and Improving Output Power. IJASTECH. 2026 Mar. 1;10(1):179-90. doi:10.30939/ijastech. 1801053