Exploring The Viability of Variable Speed mSyr Motor for Air-Conditioning Applications

Abstract

Previously, air conditioners commonly relied on single-phase induction motors to drive compressors, controlled by a simple on-off mechanism. These motors operated directly from AC mains without an inverter, maintaining a constant rotational speed. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards enhancing energy production and consumption due to increasing environmental concerns and a growing carbon dioxide footprint. Part of these improvements focus on energy consumption resampled by induction motors, which often experience relatively high losses. Therefore, enhancing their efficiency or replacing them with more energy-friendly alternatives could significantly reduce overall energy consumption. Potential candidates for this purpose include Synchronous Reluctance (Syr) motors, particularly with the additional improvement of magnet assistance, alongside Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM). This study deals with air-conditioning kind of loads employing a Permanent Magnet-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance (mSyr) motor. The suitability of mSyr motors for constant torque variable speed loads is investigated, along with the evaluation of design parameters and optimization methodologies. Increases in efficiency and power factor (PF), as well as a decrease in torque ripple, are achieved.