Energy 34 (2009) 1755–1763

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Energy
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Review

Line start permanent magnet synchronous motors: Challenges and opportunities

Arash Hassanpour Isfahani*, Sadegh Vaez-Zadeh 1
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tehran, North Kargar Ave., P.O. Box: 14395/515, Tehran, Iran

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Future energy challenges, likewise the environmental crises such as fossil fuel emissions and global
Received 27 March 2008 warming urge the world to focus on energy saving programs more than ever. An effective way to face
Received in revised form these challenges is to improve electric motors efficiency as one of the greatest energy consumption
2 April 2009
apparatuses in the world. Induction motors constitute, by far, the largest portion of electric motors both
Accepted 20 April 2009
Available online 4 June 2009
in terms of quantity and total power ratings among all electric motors. However, more efficient motor
types gradually appear as alternatives. In this paper, line start permanent magnet motors as a powerful
candidate with growing market are investigated in some details. The motor opportunities like high
Keywords:
Line start motors efficiency, high power factor and high power density are explored against the challenges associated with
Permanent magnet this motor including higher cost, extra manufacturing burden and transient and synchronization
Energy saving behaviors. Finally, some concluding comments and remarks are drawn for future research and
Efficiency manufacturing of line start permanent magnet motors.
Synchronous motors Ó 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Induction motors

1. Introduction
The global annual energy consumption has been increasing for
decades, reaching a record high of 11,741 Mtoe in 2006 [1]. Most of
this energy comes from fossil fuels with 81% provided by oil, natural
gas and coal [1]. Excessive consumption of these primary energy
resources has caused severe shrinking of the resources besides the
air pollution and global warming. Therefore, energy saving in
general is a vital concern for the mankind today.
A large amount of the primary energy resources are converted to
electric energy of which more than 50% is utilized to supply electric
motors [1–3]. As so, the electric motors are responsible for a huge
share of emission which is 97 million Ton of CO2 for three phase
induction motors only in the UK alone. This is 17% of the total
annual CO2 emissions of the country [4]. Therefore, optimizing
electric motor efficiency is crucial for energy saving and emission
reduction [5]. Some regulations have set minimum efficiencies for
electric motors in the United States, Canada, the European Union
and other countries. Also associations like NEMA and Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have proceeded to plan
new standards for electric motors demanding higher efficiencies.
* Corresponding author. Tel.: þ98 21 6111 4422; fax: þ98 21 8877 8690.
E-mail addresses: ahassanpour@ut.ac.ir (A. Hassanpour Isfahani), vaezs@ut.ac.ir
(S. Vaez-Zadeh).
URL: http://.eng.ut.ac.ir/ece/vaez-zadeh
1
Tel.: þ98 21 6111 4916; fax: þ98 21 8877 8690.
On the other hand, practical attempts are being made to increase
the efficiency of electric motors and drives such as motor chal-
lenges programs in the U.S. and the EU [6,7].
The efficiency improvement of induction motors, among all
types of electric motors, is the most effective practice since this
type of motors consumes a huge portion of the total energy going to
electric motors which is 96% in the U.S. [3]. This is usually achieved
through design optimization of induction motors resulting in
limited degrees of success. An alternative solution is to replace the
induction motors with high efficiency permanent magnet (PM)
motors which are gaining ground due to a substantial reduction in
permanent magnet prices in recent years. However, PM motors
need inverters for starting which is not economical for many single
speed applications such as most fans, pumps and compressors
forming more than 70% of electric motor applications [3]. To
overcome this problem, the cage equipped PM motors, so-called
line start permanent magnet synchronous (LS-PMS) motors have
been developed since 1955 [8]. However, a lack of high energy
permanent magnets in the past and their high prices later on,
prevented a widespread use of LS-PMS motors. In recent years, the
introduction of high energy permanent magnet materials with
reasonable prices has paved the path for LS-PMS motors.
In this paper, having a statistical glance on the world energy status
in recent years, the potential of LS-PMS motors as a candidate to
replace induction motors in single speed applications is investigated.
The challenges of these motors are then described. Finally, the most
critical issues are addressed for future investigations.

0360-5442/$ – see front matter Ó 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.energy.2009.04.022
1756 A. Hassanpour Isfahani, S. Vaez-Zadeh / Energy 34 (2009) 1755–1763

2. A glance on energy crises

The global energy development from 1972 to 2006 is depicted in

Fig. 1 [1]. This figure shows a steadily increasing trend. A large
amount of this energy has been converted to electricity. Worldwide
net electrical energy generation in 2006 alone was 18,930 Tetra Wh
(TWh). Assuming an efficiency of 33.5% for net electricity genera-
tion, it is estimated that around 40% of total world energy
production is converted to electrical energy [1]. The share of fossil
fuels in electricity generation is 66.9% as shown in Fig. 2 [1]. As the
main portion of greenhouse gases is produced by fossil fuels as
shown in Fig. 3, electricity generation has an undeniable role in the
Fig. 2. The share of different fuels in electricity production worldwide (ÓOECD/IEA,
worldwide air pollution and global warming [3]. On the other hand, 2008, derived from Key World Energy Statistics).
the price of fossil fuels is fluctuating, imposing heavy burden on the
electricity generation. Therefore, saving electrical energy appears
as the most crucial remedy for sustainable development world- dlsd
wide. Since more than 50% of total produced electricity is Vsd ¼ rs isd  ur lsq þ (2)
dt
consumed by electric motors; increasing efficiency of electric
motors deserves the utmost attention. This can mainly be achieved 0
dlrq
by focusing on high efficiency motors. Line start permanent magnet 0 0 0
Vrq ¼ rrq irq þ ¼ 0 (3)
dt
motors, due to their many features, must be reconsidered seriously
in this regard. 0
0 0 0 dlrd
Vrd ¼ rrd ird þ ¼ 0 (4)
3. LS-PMS motors dt
0 0 0
where Vsq, Vsd, Vrq and Vrd are stator and rotor voltages, lsq, lsd, lrq
0 0
A LS-PMS motor consists of a single or poly-phase stator as one and lrd stand for linkage fluxes of stator and rotor and isq, isd, isq and
0 0 0
of the induction motors and a hybrid rotor involving an electricity isd represent stator and rotor currents respectively. ur, rs, rrd and rrq
conducting squirrel cage and pairs of permanent magnet poles. denote rotor speed, stator resistance and rotor resistances referred
Different combinations of the cage, pole shapes and pole locations to stator respectively. Also, linkage fluxes of stator and rotor are
have been presented for the rotor so far. Fig. 4 shows a cross determined as follows:
sectional view of a three phase LS-PMS motor [9]. One of the
important features of LS-PMS motors is the high depth of rotor slots lsq ¼ Lsq isq þ Lmq i0rq (5)
to overcome the opponent torque due to permanent magnets at
start. The shaft diameter should be less than one of the induction lsd ¼ Lsd isd þ Lmq i0rd þ l0m (6)
motors in the most structures to have enough room for locating PM
poles inside the rotor body.
The motor starts as an induction motor by the resultant of two l0rq ¼ L0rq i0rq þ Lmq isq (7)
torque components i.e. cage torque and magnet opponent torque
(breaking torque). When the motor speed reaches near synchro- l0rd ¼ L0rd i0rd þ Lmd isd þ l0m (8)
nous speed, a synchronization process begins and motor operation 0 0
is transferred to synchronous state when no eddy current flows into where Lsq, Lsd, Lrq, Lrd are stator and rotor self inductances respectively
the cage bars except harmonics field currents. In synchronous state and Lmq and Lmd are mutual inductances. The permanent magnet flux
0
two torque components i.e. a reluctance torque component and is represented by lm. Electromagnetic torque is then given by [10]:
a synchronous torque component cause the rotor motion. The
3P   3P   3P
0
dynamic performance of LS-PMS motors in a stationary d-q refer- Tem ¼ Lsd  Lsq isd isq þ Lmd i0rd isq  Lmq i0rq isd þ lm isq (9)
ence frame is described by [10]: 2 2 2
in which the first term is reluctance torque, the second term is cage
dlsq torque and the third term is magnet synchronous torque. Finally
Vsq ¼ rs isq þ ur lsd þ (1)
dt the motor dynamic is governed by:

Fig. 1. Global energy development in the world Organisation for Economic Co-oper-
ation and Development (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(ÓOECD)/International Energy Agency (IEA), 2008, derived from Key World Energy Fig. 3. The share of different fuels in CO2 emission in the world (ÓOECD/IEA, 2008,
Statistics). derived from Key World Energy Statistics).
 A. Hassanpour Isfahani, S. Vaez-Zadeh / Energy 34 (2009) 1755–1763 1757

Table 1
Different efficiency standards.

Motor size EPACT IEEE 841 NEMA premium NEMA super

(hp) (1992) (2000) (2003) premiuma (2008)
1 82.5 84 85.5 87.6
2 84 85.5 86.5 88.5
3 87.5 88.5 89.5 91
5 87.5 88.5 89.5 91
7.5 89.5 90.2 91.7 92.9
10 89.5 90.2 91.7 92.9
25 92.4 93 93.6 94.5
50 93 93.6 94.5 95.3
75 94 94.5 95.4 96.1
100 94.5 95 95.4 96.1
200 95 95.4 96.2 96.7
a
Under consideration. NEMA super premium has 15% lower loss than NEMA
premium.

[13]. It is seen that almost 20% of the losses is dissipated in rotor

Fig. 4. Cross section of a three phase LS-PMS motor [9].
dur
Tem  Tl  Bur ¼ J
dt
where J, B and Tl are moment of inertia, viscosity coefficient and
load torque respectively. A schematic view of d-q equivalent
circuits for LS-PMS motors is illustrated in Fig. 5.
4. LS-PMS motor advantages
cage. The rotor cage loss vanishes in LS-PMS motors except for the
negligible harmonic portion. In addition, the ohmic loss of stator in
latter motors, which is the largest portion of the total motor loss,
also reduces due to a significant reduction in magnetizing current
and thus the input current amplitude of the motors. To have
a better insight, different induction motors are compared with LS-
PMS motors with the same output power and stator frame in
Table 2. It is seen that LS-PMS motors enjoy much higher efficiency
in all power ratings leading to a substantial energy saving over
motors lifetimes. Tables 1 and 2 also show that the LS-PMS tech-
nology exceeds NEMA super premium efficiency (IE4) level in two
(10)
power ratings and is very close to this standard in two other ratings.
It shows that LS-PMS motors are a candidate to reach IE4 level. In
fact, omitting rotor electrical loss which composes about 20% of
total motor losses in premium efficient induction motors (IE3)
allows the efficiency of LS-PMS motors even exceed IE4 level which
has 15% lower loss in comparison with IE3 level.

LS-PMS motors enjoy many desirable features over induction

motors; the most important ones are described here.

4.1. Efficiency

The standards observing efficiency of electric motors have

become stricter over the time. Table 1 shows a sort of such stan-
dards in the last three decades [11]. It is seen that the efficiency
requirements have elevated in recent years to the extent that the
new NEMA standard regarding super premium efficiency motors
can hardly be achieved by induction motors. The fulfillment of such
a standard needs new technologies e.g. permanent magnet motors
[12]. The loss distribution in induction motors is shown in Fig. 6

Fig. 5. A d-q reference frame equivalent circuit of LS-PMS motors. Fig. 6. Distribution of average losses in different parts of induction motors.
1758 A. Hassanpour Isfahani, S. Vaez-Zadeh / Energy 34 (2009) 1755–1763

Table 2
Comparison of LS-PM motors and Induction motors.

Motor rated power Induction motor LS-PM motor

Efficiency Power factor Efficiency Power factor

0.8 hp [10] 0.733 0.688 0.862 0.986
2 hp [3] 0.809 0.77 0.892 0.895
5 hp [11] 0.868 0.854 0.904 0.879
25 hp [12] 0.936 0.88 0.957 0.92

4.2. Power factor

Induction motors, due to their inductive behavior, suffer from
a low power factor, resulting in a reduction in the capacity of
electricity distribution systems by increasing current flow and
voltage drops. This may lead to an increase in the losses of trans-
mission lines and overheating and premature failure of motors and
other inductive equipments. A low power factor also causes extra
losses in stator windings of induction motors. Besides, many utili-
ties charge customers by an additional fee if their power factor is
less than a minimum, say 0.95 [14].
LS-PMS motors can work with substantially higher power factor
than induction motors. They even work in exact or close to unity
power factor in many applications and working conditions. Table 2
compares some LS-PMS motors with induction motors of the same
power rating and frame size in terms of their power factors. The
variations of efficiency, power factor and the product of these two
characteristics of a three phase LS-PMS motor is compared with
those of an induction motor of the same power rating in Fig. 7 [15].
The figure shows the absolute superiority of the LS-PMS motor over
the induction motor.
4.3. Torque and power density
It is well known that PM motors in general are superior to other
motors in terms of torque production and power density capabil-
ities due to the usage of permanent magnets. A comparison of
weight versus power for PM motors and induction motors of
a specific manufacturer is presented in Fig. 8 [16]. It shows the
superiority of the PM motors. The LS-PMS motors as a kind of PM
motors enjoy this advantage too. Therefore, the LS-PMS motors are
more compact and thus more suitable for integrated systems.
Fig. 8. Comparison of induction motors and PM motors weight [16].
4.4. Rotor temperature
Rotor temperature is influenced by its losses as well as motor
speed. In induction motors, rotor losses include two components
i.e. iron loss and cage loss. In LS-PMS motors, thanks to synchro-
nous speed, the cage loss vanishes to negligible eddy current loss
caused by air gap space harmonics. Therefore, the rotor tempera-
ture of these motors is about 30% less than that of induction motors
with the same output power [17]. This advantage may protect
permanent magnets from temperature demagnetization. However,
since the starting state of LS-PMS motors may be slower than that
of induction motors, the overheating of rotor should be checked
during the design of LS-PMS motors.
5. LS-PMS motor challenges
5.1. Cost
The cost of a motor consists of a material cost and
a manufacturing cost. In this section the material cost is considered
and the manufacturing one will be discussed afterwards. The use of
permanent magnets in LS-PM motors is the main cause of their
higher prices with respect to induction motors. However, in the last
decade the magnet price has decreased substantially due to high
volume magnet production, particularly in China. As an example,
the average price of sintered NdFeB has dropped by 40% from 1998
to 2003 [18].
It is shown that the materials of permanent magnet motors cost
approximately 4.5 V/kW more than that of induction motors for
a power rating around 5.5 kW [12]. In another case, it was stated
that the materials price used in a 1 hp LS-PMS motor is about 20%
higher than that of a comparable induction motor [19].

Fig. 7. Efficiency and power factor versus shaft torque for a LS-PMS motor and an
induction motor [15]. Fig. 9. Cash flow diagram for energy saving assessment of the LS-PMS motor.
 A. Hassanpour Isfahani, S. Vaez-Zadeh / Energy 34 (2009) 1755–1763 1759

Fig. 11. Payback period of additional cost of LS-PMS motor with different interest rate
and energy inflation rate.
Fig. 10. Average lifetime of induction motors [21].

economical. To obtain the payback period regarding interest rate

Although the initial cost of LS-PMS motors is higher than that
of induction motors, LS-PMS motors can be more economical in
long run because of their energy saving [19]. To assess the
economical aspects of any motor, the cost of its consumed energy
during the motor lifetime must be calculated. An induction motor
consumes approximately 100 times of its purchased price in
electricity [4]. It means that for each point elevation in efficiency
a new motor can be purchased after the motor is discarded.
Therefore, the extra cost of an energy-efficient motor is often
repaid quickly by energy saving. To have more detailed analysis of
this fact, let us calculate energy cost saving by energy-efficient
motors. The annual energy saving of a motor can be calculated as
follows [2]:
 
1 1
S ¼ Pout  L  hr  C   (11)
Estd Eee
where S is the annual saving, Pout is the motor rated power, L is
a load factor, hr is the annual operating hours, C is an average
energy cost and Estd and Eee are the standard motor and energy-
efficient motor efficiencies respectively. To take account of an
interest rate and an energy inflation rate in the analysis the cash
flow diagram shown in Fig. 9 is considered. The present worth of
savings in n years regarding cash flow diagram is given by [20]:
" #
1  ð1 þ jÞn ð1 þ iÞn
P ¼ S
ij
and inflation rate we should find n in which P is equal to I.
Therefore, the payback period is given by:
h i
ln 1  IðijÞ
S
n ¼ h i (13)
ln ð1þjÞ
ð1þiÞ
As illustrated in Table 3, a 1% improvement in motor efficiency
results in a significant annual saving. In typical industrial applica-
tions, energy-efficient motors are cost effective when they operate
more than 4000 h a year, given a 1-year simple payback criterion.
For example, with a low energy cost of $0.04/kWh, a single point of
efficiency gain for a continuously operating 50-hp motor with a 75%
load factor saves 4079 kWh, or $163 annually [2]. Thus, an energy-
efficient motor of this rating offering four points of efficiency gain,
can cost up to $1304 more than a standard model and still meet a 2-
year simple payback criterion neglecting interest rate and inflation
rate [2].
In order to gain a better insight, let us have a glance on motor
lifetime. The average lifetime of three phase induction motors are
illustrated in Fig. 10 [21]. Using this data, a 5 hp motor can save
more than $200 in its life for each point of efficiency gain under
mentioned conditions. This increases to $480 for a 10 hp motor and
(12)

where i and j are the interest rate, and the inflation rate of energy
cost respectively. The notation n stands for the number of years of
the interest period which is equal to a lifetime of the motor.
If the present worth of savings (P) is greater than the extra cost
of the LS-PMS motor with respect to an induction motor (I), the
substitution of the induction motor with the LS-PMS motor is

Table 3
Annual cost saving of a one-point efficiency gain for different energy prices and duty
times.

Motor size Annual saving Annual saving Annual saving Annual saving
0.04 $/kwh, 0.04 $/kwh, 0.10 $/kwh, 0.10 $/kwh,
8000 h/year 4000 h/year 8000 h/year 4000 h/year
5 hp $17 $8.5 $42.5 $21.5
10 hp $32 $16 $80 $40
20 hp $61 $30.5 $152.5 $76.25
50 hp $142 $71 $177.5 $88.75
100 hp $278 $139 $695 $347.5
200 hp $537 $268.5 $1342.5 $671.25
Fig. 12. Different torques applied to the rotor of LS-PMS motors [22].
1760 A. Hassanpour Isfahani, S. Vaez-Zadeh / Energy 34 (2009) 1755–1763
Fig. 13. Failure in starting and synchronization [22].
to $5560 for a 100 hp motor. These energy cost savings can
compensate for the extra cost of LS-PMS motors.
A 5.5 kW LS-PMS motor is approximately $30 more expensive
than an induction motor with the same power rating but has
approximately 20% lower losses. While a 5.5 kW premium efficient
induction motor has an efficiency of 91.7%, the efficiency of the
LS-PMS motor with the same power rating expects to be almost
93.3% or 1.6% more than the efficiency of the induction motor. As so,
the payback period for the extra cost of the LS-PMS motor with
different combinations of interest and inflation rates of energy and
with an energy cost of $0.04/kWh and an operating time of 4000 hr
a year at 0.75 load factor is shown in Fig. 11. This period, with
a simple payback method, is around 2.43 years.
In general, it should be mentioned that when the total invest-
ment and operating cost of an LS-PMS motor are considered, it
looks like an opportunity rather than a challenge. Of course,
a detailed cost–benefit analysis is needed for every actual case
before a final conclusion can be drawn.
5.2. Starting and synchronization
Starting and synchronization of LS-PMS motors have been
challenging issues concerned by many researches so far [22–37].
Fig. 14. Slow starting and overshooting (Ó[2004] IEEE) [23].
Fig. 15. Effect of input voltage on starting process (Ó[1984] IEEE) [24].
Possibly the main deterrent factor in LS-PMS motors is the braking
torque produced by magnet poles. This torque is developed during
starting period up to synchronous speed and reaches its maximum
value at a low speed as seen in Fig. 12. The value of braking torque
can be expressed as [22]:
2 ð1  sÞ2
rs2 þ Xsq
3Prs ð1  sÞE02
Tb ¼ $ 2 (14)
2 us
rs2 þ Xsd Xsq ð1  sÞ2
where E0, Xsd, Xsq, us and s are magnet back-EMF, d-axis stator
reactance, q-axis stator reactance, synchronous angular frequency
and slip respectively. This torque resists against cage torque and
may cause a failing in starting or synchronization of the motor as
shown in Fig. 13. It is seen that in the case 1 the magnet braking
torque deteriorates the normal operation in low speed in compar-
ison to an induction machine and results in a slow starting and an
overshoot in the speed curve even when the motor can normally
Fig. 16. Effect of rotor resistance on starting process (Ó[1984] IEEE) [24].
 A. Hassanpour Isfahani, S. Vaez-Zadeh / Energy 34 (2009) 1755–1763 1761

Fig. 17. Effect of inertia momentum on starting process (Ó[2004] IEEE) [23].

start and synchronize as shown in Fig. 14. In this figure the rise time
of motor speed is about 2.5 s which is relatively long.
Magnet braking torque is not the only deficiency of LS-PMS
motors starting. The motors also suffer from a sensitive depen-
dency of starting process on input voltage, shaft inertia momentum
and cages resistance. The effect of input voltage on the starting
process is shown in Fig. 15. It is seen that with a reduced input
voltage, the motor starts more slowly and even may fail in
synchronization. The settling time of speed curve also increases
Fig. 19. Comparison of maximum tolerable torque of LS-PMS motors for constant and
with falling of input voltage. The effect of cage resistance on the moving fluid load torques.
starting of an LS-PMS motor is shown in Fig. 16. It is seen that there
is an optimal value for this resistance out of which the motor does
not start properly.
Finally, the effect of load inertia on starting process is depicted in TL ¼ ku2 (15)
Fig. 17. It is seen that by increasing the load inertia, the motor starting
Therefore, the load torque is relatively small in low speed range,
deteriorates. This may lead to high torque pulsations in induction helping the motor to start easily. However, the motor may not start
mode, not reaching the synchronous operation at all. easily under a constant load. The starting of an LS-PMS motor under
Another problem associated with LS-PMS motors as well as these two types of loads is compared [17]. As seen in Fig. 19 the
induction motors is the production of torque dips due to spatial motor can start under a maximum constant load torque of about
harmonics as shown in Fig. 18 [38–42]. This problem, deteriorated 1.55 Nm; while, it can operate under a load torque of 7 Nm if the
by braking torque, may reduce the resultant torque significantly in torque is defined by (15). Therefore, LS-PMS motors are more
low speeds and cause failure of motor starting under a load. For suitable to run applications such as fans, pumps and compressors.
most applications such as fans, compressors and pumps which
move a fluid, the load torque is proportional to square of speed i.e.
5.3. Manufacturing and sizing

The stator of a LS-PMS motor is the same as the stator of

induction motors, whereas its rotor is more complicated than that
of induction motors due to the existence of permanent magnet

Fig. 18. Effects of spatial harmonics on torque-speed characteristic of induction motors Fig. 20. Distribution of induction motor ratings in Germany in terms of energy
(derived from [43]). consumption [16].
1762 A. Hassanpour Isfahani, S. Vaez-Zadeh / Energy 34 (2009) 1755–1763
poles. This imposes extra manufacturing burden of locating PMs
inside the rotor body. Nonetheless, with an in situ magnetization
technology, locating and magnetizing of PMs have become simpler
and more cost effective than before [44,45].
Deciding on feasible and economical motor rating is another
issue in the manufacturing of LS-PMS motors. While induction
motors are manufactured in a wide range of power ratings from
fractional hp to several MWs, LS-PMS motors are often manufac-
tured in a limited range of power rating due to economical,
manufacturing and demagnetization obstacles. A graph showing
energy consumption of induction motors of different ratings is
depicted in Fig. 20 [21]. It is seen that most of the energy is
consumed by large induction motors. Therefore, a move towards
the manufacturing of large LS-PMS motors is necessary.
An early investigation on PM motors stated that with the price
and quality of magnets of the time, LS-PM motors with ferrite
magnets up to 25 hp are economical [46]. Nowadays, by the advent
of new high energy permanent magnets, PM motors with a rating of
10 MW and more have been constructed [47]. In addition, new
magnets are hard to be demagnetized. Therefore, with substantial
reduction in prices of high energy rare earth permanent magnet
materials, the manufacturing of large LS-PMS motors is considered
economical and practical. Such motors can now be found in the
market. Hitachi Ltd. uses LS-PMS motors in high efficiency pumps
and Toyo Denki Seizo K.K. sells these motors for general purpose
usage [48]. However, widespread application of LS-PMS motors in
high ratings is to come.
6. Conclusion
The challenges and opportunities of line start permanent
magnet synchronous motors were reviewed. It was shown that LS-
PMS motors have superior performances over induction motors in
applications such as pumps, fans and compressors where constant
speeds and long operating cycles are used. LS-PMS motors have
higher efficiency, power factor and torque density and show better
thermal behavior as well as lower sensitivity to frequency varia-
tions in comparison to induction motors. It is seen that the higher
initial cost of LS-PMS motors can be paid back by saving energy in
a reasonable duration, say 2.5 years; leading to a less overall cost
than that of induction motors in their lifetime. However, a wise
decision on the use of the motors in each case can only be made
after a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis, taking into account
application specifications and society gains. It is also seen that
many problems associated with the manufacturing of these motors
have been overcome. However, the starting and synchronization of
these motors still remain as important challenges and need further
improvements. Although many researches have addressed
different aspects of LS-PMS motors in the last three decades and
paved the path for their commercial production; more investiga-
tions are needed to make LS-PMS motors a real competitor to
induction motors in a wide variety of applications. Finally, it
is concluded that the major opportunity associated with these
motors – their energy saving – can be widely materialized when
their essential challenge – transient starting and synchronization –
are successfully addressed.
Acknowledgment
The authors gratefully acknowledge the National Research Fund
for supporting this work. Figs. 1–4, 7, 8, 11–17 and 19 are re-printed
by permission of original authors and copyright holders. The
authors acknowledge their kind cooperation.
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