Special Session
Discovery and Expansion of IPM Motors
– Innovation of Mature Devices –

Discovery and Expansion of IPM Motors

The JMAG Users Conference is expanding the theme of the Keynote Speaker to encompass the first day of the JMAG Users Conference this year. This special session is themed “Discovery and Expansion of IPM Motors; (sub-session: Innovation of Mature Devices).” Each of the speakers, whom all play a vital role in each phase of development, will discuss the IPM Motors that are rapidly competing to expand as components for energy conservation devices such as air conditioners and hybrid cars, as well as examine the innovation of mature products like PM motors which could revolutionize the world.

Presentations

Interior PM Synchronous Machines: Historical Perspectives, Current Status, and Future Directions
Prof.Thomas M.Jahns, University of Wisconsin

The keynote speaker this year is Prof. Thomas M. Jahns from the University of Wisconsin. The thesis*1 written by Prof. Jahns in 1983 largely impacted the field of motors as he revealed that IPM motors can be used for a wide range of applications by utilizing the reluctance torque. His thesis has been a milestone that has influenced a vast amount of research.

Prof. Jahns joined the GE Corporate Research and Development after graduating from MIT. His thesis outlined above was written while he was employed by GE. Prof. Jahns then joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin continuing his vast contribution to the field of motors with his motor drive research. In 2005, Prof. Jahns received the IEEE Nikola Tesla Technical Field Award for pioneering contributions to the design and application of AC permanent magnet machines.

*1 Interior Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors for Adjustable-Speed Drives
(IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-22, NO. 4, JULY/AUGUST 1986)

Product Development and Market Expansion for IPM Motors
Mr.Toshiaki Idemitsu, YASKAWA MOTOR CORPORATION

Mr. Toshiaki Idemitsu from Yasukawa Motors will discuss his experience as the first to commercialize IPM motors in Japan. Mr. Toshiaki Idematsu’s in depth presentation will delve into the challenges of commercializing IPM motors by actualizing the possibilities described in Prof. Jahns thessis at a time when IPM motors were still in their infancy and their application was not yet realistic among the numerous rotating machines that were available.

Development and Challenges of Motors for Toyota’s Hybrid Vehicles
Mr.Akihide Takehara, TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Toyota’s hybrid vehicle, “Prius,” has proven the application of IPM motors domestically and internationally. Mr. Akihide Takehara from the Toyota Motor Corporation will discuss his experience developing motors for hybrid vehicles and the analysis technology being used for present development. Mr. Akihide Takahara’s presentation may even provide a glimpse of the vast innovation IPM motors can allow in the development for completely new application systems.

Loss Analysis and Shape Optimization of Interior Permanent Magnet Motors
Prof.Katsumi Yamazaki, Chiba Institute of Technology

Prof. Katsumi Yamazaki from the Chiba Institue of Technology will discuss the contribution of simulation technology in the development of IPM motors. The finite element method of analysis has become indispensable in the design and development of IPM motors to obtain high efficiency in a wide range of applications by vastly utilizing the magnetic saturation of the core. This presentation by Prof. Katsumi Yamazaki, whom has contributed to the field domestically and internationally, will discuss IPM motors from a simulation technology perspective that will provide valuable insight for all those who attend.

Innovation of Mature Devices

Although the sub-session, “Innovation of Mature Devices,” may seem to already be standardized, JMAG strives to facilitate further innovation by dissecting the development approach of motors, transformers, etc. The optimum method to meet the needs of a world demanding environmental conservation is not by replacing mature devices with something new, but rather addressing ways to comprehensively improve the performance and development process of mature devices by rethinking how they are viewed.

In 2007, Dr. Shigekazu Sakabe from Tabuchi Electric, Co., Ltd demonstrated this theme when he discussed the demands for electromagnetic field analysis and problems specific to transformers. Last year, Dr. Kazumasa Ide from Hitachi discussed the long history of design and development of large rotating machines and the efforts to improve their performance using cutting edge simulation technology.

The JMAG Users Conference program is by no means limited to technology related to IPM motors. The evolution and innovation of mature motors, which has exceeded many peoples expectations, provides a solid stepping stone for the design and development of other mature devices.

In addition to the special session, the JMAG Users Conference 2009 is packed with user examples as well as introductions to new products and technology.
We look forward to seeing all of you there.

Takashi Yamada
Engineering and Technology Division
JSOL Corporation