Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze and investigate some techniques to reduce eddy current losses in permanent magnets. First, a model using Maxwell's equations to analyze eddy current in permanent magnets is presented. Second, the effect of magnet circumferential segmentation on the eddy current losses in case of a surface mounted permanent magnets synchronous machine is investigated. A simple analysis of magnet demagnetization due to its eddy current losses is also studied. In a third step, second technique for reducing eddy current losses is presented. It relates to the stator slots skew, where the best skewing angle is obtained by means of an optimization process using genetic algorithm. A 2D nonlinear finite elements code is developed to achieve the purposes of the presented work.