A step-by-step, beginner-friendly guide to mastering synchronous machine design with SyR-e.
This tutorial demonstrates the SyR-e workflow using a Surface Permanent Magnet (SPM) motor as a primary case study. It covers the core tools that make this software essential for electric machine design, presented in an accessible format for newcomers.
By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to:
- Model: Import motor geometries and material characteristics into SyR-e.
- Analyze: Evaluate electrical characteristics via Finite Element Analysis (FEA), including torque, power, ripple, and flux linkages.
- Map: Generate and evaluate flux maps.
- Optimize: Refine motor geometry to meet specific performance targets via automatic optimizator.
- Protect: Evaluate maximum demagnetization current both analytically and through simulation.
- Control: Compute torque-speed characteristics, MTPA-MTPV (Maximum Torque Per Ampere / Voltage) control maps, and operational limits.
- Simulate: Build functional Simulink-Simscape models with actuators and control algorithms, ready for system-level testing.
- Basic understanding of synchronous electric machines and their control principles.
- Familiarity with the MATLAB and Simulink environments is expected.
As a Power Electronics engineer myself, I have designed this tutorial to be accessible even if you aren't a dedicated "e-machine expert".
- Download or clone this repository to your local machine (ideally within your SyR-e directory)
- Follow the tutorial in
EM_design_W_SyRE_ONLINE.pdf
- MATLAB (2025b or later recommended)
- SyR-e — GitHub | MATLAB File Exchange
- FEMM — Download
This tutorial was developed by Jacopo Ferretti as part of his duties as a MATLAB Student Ambassador.
Note on Bugfixes: This tutorial includes specific workarounds for known issues. While these may be addressed in future SyR-e releases, they are included here to ensure a seamless experience for beginners.
If you encounter errors or require assistance, please feel free to open an issue or contact me directly!
- Simone Ferrari (PoliTO): Maintainer of SyR-e, for his invaluable feedback and technical support.
- Paolo Panarese (MathWorks): Supervisor of the Italian Student Ambassadors, for his guidance throughout the project.
- Giacomo Sala (UNIBO): Professor of "Electric Motor Design", for hosting me during his lecture and providing the opportunity to present this tutorial to his students.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) license. You are free to use, modify, and distribute this material without restriction.