This paper deals with an optimal design of a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SMPMSM) with an exact analytical subdomain model by using a genetic algorithm method. To analyze the characteristic of permanent magnet (PM) motors, the classical optimization method, such as the finite element method (FEM), is intensively used. However, FEM has several time problems that require a longer computational time to evaluate the performance of PM motors. This problem can be overcome by using a genetic algorithm (GA) method combined with a subdomain model (SD), which developed an improved performance of SMPMSM, for instance, total harmonic distortion (THDv) and cogging torque. In this design, a three-phase 12-slot/8-pole PM motor is established with an exact SD model with RM and PaM magnetization patterns. Then, the GA ensemble with SD model to search the optimality of SMPMSM machine design. In the final analysis, the optimal new design of SMPMSM demonstrated by comparing with the initial design that is investigated by FEM. The result of induced back-EMF, cogging torque, total harmonic distortion, and magnetic flux density of optimal design is compared with the initial design to show the advantages of GA optimization method.
