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Compared with the conventional permanent magnet (PM) machines, the flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine exhibits higher torque ripple due to its special doubly salient structure and high air-gap flux density, leading to the deterioration of smooth operation. In this article, the output torque ripple suppression methods of FSPM machines from both rotor and stator sides are proposed with the aid of general air-gap field modulation theory. According to harmonic modulation mechanism, air-gap PM field can be modified by revising harmonic content of rotor and stator modulation functions and, consequently, three concepts, including cos-shaped edge rotor (CSER), cos-shaped edge stator, and double cos-shaped edge, are proposed and implemented to suppress the output torque ripple due to the cogging torque and electromagnetic torque ripple of FSPM machines. Finally, finite-element analysis and experiments are conducted to verify the proposed approaches. The results reveal that the CSER method exhibits the most effective suppression effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent magnet Vernier motors (PMVMs) possess the advantage of high torque density for high-performance applications. However, the low power factor challenge makes it unacceptable for direct-drive applications. A lack of accurate modeling method based on the motor sizing law, i.e., air-gap flux density, linear current density, and motor geometry parameters, raises difficulties for machine designers to further conduct research on the performance metrics. This article presents a deep investigation into the analytical modeling technique for surface PMVMs (SPMVMs). It can identify an accurate approach to obtain the performance metrics, including electromagnetic torque and power factor. The modeling technique is developed based on the conformal mapping method. By using this, both radial and tangential permeability functions can be calculated to obtain the motor magnetic loading accurately, considering the leakage flux. The slotting effect on both air-gap flux density and armature-winding function is analyzed to achieve a precise formula for torque and power factor computations. The new modeling technique is applied to integral-slot SPMVMs with different slot/pole combinations, gear ratios, slot openings, and magnet thickness to evaluate the impacts of motor parameters on high-power-factor and high-torque-density designs. Finally, an SPMVM with the characteristics of high torque density and power factor is fabricated to verify the analytical model at the power rating of 0.8 kW and the speed of 500 r/min. The experimental results show that the prototype exhibits a high power factor of 0.9 and high torque density 22.5 Nm/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable reluctance resolvers (VRRs) have been widely used for rotor position detection in harsh working conditions. However, conventional installation of VRRs inevitably occupies the axial space of machine systems, and may weaken the reliability of rotor position detection encountering shock and vibration. In this article, a novel VRR structure with inner stator is investigated, which is radially integrated inside a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) to construct compact machine topology. The hybrid machine topology is first discussed, and detailed electromagnetic design is carried out. Improved analytical analysis on air gap flux density distribution and inductance evaluation of the integrated VRR is derived based on modified winding function approach, and testified by finite element analysis. A prototype is manufactured from an existing 2.2 kW PMSM, and experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of proposed machine topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machines with skewed slots as vehicle drives are widely used. Due to skewed slots, electromagnetic characteristics are modulated by the skew effect. To analyze the skew effect, Maxwell’s equations-based 3-D analytical model is proposed. Based on differences in 3-D air-gap flux density distribution, the mechanism by which the skew effect modulates cogging torque, flux linkage, and back electromotive force (EMF) is investigated. The effectiveness of the theory about the skew effect is verified by both the finite element method (FEM) and the experimental result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a hybrid evaluation method of electromagnetic force and vibration for electrical machines considering high-frequency current harmonics caused by the inverter. First, the permeance and armature magnetomotive force (MMF) is calculated based on the virtual MMF and the slot matrix. Then, the air-gap flux density and electromagnetic force construction process under arbitrary current is thoroughly studied. The vibration transfer function is obtained by utilizing the modal analysis and the modal test. Finally, the vibration can be calculated according to the modal superposition method. By applying this method to an interior permanent magnet machine, it can significantly reduce the computation efforts compared with the multiphysics procedure due to the extensive use of the finite-element method. In addition, the accuracy of this method is validated by conducting an experimental study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of torque ripple generation by time and space harmonic magnetic fields in permanent magnet synchronous motors is investigated to obtain advanced motor designs. The general expression between the torque ripples and harmonic air-gap flux densities in the motor is derived by using Maxwell stress tensor. Both the numerical and experimental verifications of this expression are carried out. By using this expression, the difference of the torque ripple generation between the surface and interior permanent magnet synchronous motors are discussed. Based on these investigations, the shape of the rotor surface of an interior permanent magnet motor is optimized. It is clarified that specific harmonic components of thetorque ripples in interior permanent magnet synchronous motors can be reduced to be nearly zero by optimizing the rotor surface shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high power density, short axial size, and wide permanent magnet (PM) flux linkage regulation range, an axial-flux PM memory machine (AFPMMM) with hybrid Halbach array is investigated in this article. To solve the problem of magnetic density variation of Halbach array composed of different types of PMs in asymmetric bilateral air-gap structure, the analytical method for calculating the air-gap flux density of AFPMMM is presented through mathematical analysis, which uses cylindrical coordinate system instead of Cartesian coordinate system and is solved by equivalent method, separated variable method, and boundary conditions. The magnetic field generated by the Halbach array is divided into three directions: radial, circumferential, and axial. The analytical model is compared with the finite element method (FEM) simulation results to verify its effectiveness. In addition, an approximate piecewise linear hysteresis model with parallelogram return line is established based on the analytical expression of magnetic field. By applying different pulse currents to change the residual flux density of PM, the flux regulation characteristics of the motor are studied, and it is found that the air-gap flux density of the motor can be smoothly adjusted by continuously changing the pulse current, which plays a positive role in solving the problem of online magnetic regulation of the motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the boundary discretization method is used to improve the traditional subdomain model. The improved model can be used to calculate the magnetic field distribution in the region containing non-orthogonal boundary, avoiding the influence of the simplified stator slot or permanent magnet shape on the results in calculating the motor magnetic field using the traditional subdomain model. In addition, the improved subdomain model can also be used to calculate the air-gap flux density when the rotor is eccentric, instead of segmenting the air-gap to an equivalent state without eccentricity. The calculation object of this paper is a surface-mount permanent magnet motor with a rectangular stator slot. The air-gap flux density under no-load and load conditions is calculated, respectively. Since the improved subdomain model does not need to simplify the stator slot shape, the magnetic potential in the stator slot is also calculated. Finally, the air-gap flux density under rotor eccentricity is calculated, and the influence of the calculating parameters on the results of the improved subdomain model is discussed. All the calculated results are compared with those obtained by the finite element method, which verifies the accuracy of the improved calculation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peripheral magnetic field of the motor may cause magnetic field interference to the surrounding sensors, which would reduce the accuracy of sensors and affect the safety and concealment of vessel. This article explored the environmental magnetic field distribution law of a permanent magnet (PM) motor with two-pole parallel magnetization. A no-cogging magnetic field model was obtained by solving Maxwell equations, and the relationship between the air gap flux density and the environment flux density was built considering the motor cogging effect. In addition, a mathematical model of connections between the back electromotive force (EMF) and the environmental flux density was built, and the correctness of the model was verified by COMSOL. It is concluded that the circumferential and radial components of the environmental magnetic field are distributed sinusoidally, and the magnetic flux density modulus remains constant on the equidistant circumferential line, but attenuates squarely with the distance from the motor. It provides ideas for magnetic field analysis in the peripheral environment of other types of motors, sensors, and other anti-motor electromagnetic interference, magnetic field compensation for geomagnetic measurement, and motor fault diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new partitioned stator field modulation machine (PSFMM) with H-shape permanent magnet (HPM) excitation (HPM-PSFMM) is proposed, which is evolved from the conventional flux-switching machine (FSM) and flux-reversal machine (FRM). The proposed HPM-PSFMM combines the merits of high reliability and good heat dissipation characteristic. In addition, it exhibits high torque production with low torque ripple. Based on the theory of electrical machine operation, the FSM and FRM can be transformed into PSFMM with interior permanent magnet (IPM) and surface-mounted PM (SPM) excitation by changing the position of PM excitation, respectively. It benefits to improve space utilization and increase slot area for a large number of armature windings. For reducing the flux leakage and enhancing the flux density in air gaps, the IPM and SPM excitation are combined into HPM excitation. The iron-pole rotor between the inner and outer stators acts the role of modulator to modulate the magnetic field excited by HPM excitation to couple with the armature reaction for converting electromechanical energy. The evolution process, operating principle, and key design parameters of the proposed HPM-PSFMM are presented. Finally, using the finite element analysis (FEA), it can be proven that the proposed HPM-PSFMM has the merits of high torque production, low flux leakage, low total harmonic distortion (THD), and low torque ripple when compared to other stator-PM machines, which is a desirable choice for high stability applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a new hybrid-excited partitioned stator flux modulated machine with a dual-permanent magnet (HE-PSFMDPMM). The HE-PSFMDPMM employs consequent-pole (CP) permanent magnets (PMs) on the inner stator and Halbach array CP PMs on the rotor, which can yield abundant air-gap flux density working harmonics to increase the torque capability. Meanwhile, the field windings are housed in the inner stator to achieve flux weakening. The topology, working principle, and design optimization of HE-PSFMDPMM are investigated, respectively. The electromagnetic performances of HE-PSFMDPMM are analyzed and compared with that of a contrast model with conventional CP PMs on the rotor. The results indicate that by using dual-PM excitation, HE-PSFMDPMM can provide large flux linkage, high torque production with low torque ripple, and high efficiency. Meanwhile, a good flux weakening capability is obtained with the aid of direct current (dc) excitation. Moreover, compared with the contrast model, the proposed HE-PSFMDPMM with Halbach array CP PMs on the rotor can offer the merits of lower cogging torque and torque ripple, higher power factor, and better flux weakening capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a novel axial field switched flux memory machine (AF-SFMM) which is analyzed by a combined analytical method. Compared with conventional axial field (AF) permanent magnet (PM) machines having magnets in the rotor side, the AF-SFMM benefits from good heat dissipation, high rotor robustness, and improved power density. Meanwhile, because of the utilization of low coercive force PM materials, the proposed machine can flexibly regulate air-gap flux. This analytical method is characterized by the combination of a quasi-3-D (quasi-3D) finite element method, a magnetomotive force–permeance-based method, and a virtual linear hysteresis model of low coercive force PM. In addition, compared with conventional time-consuming 3-D finite element analysis (FEA), the proposed method can improve the computational efficiency significantly with satisfactory accuracy. This makes the proposed combined analytical method suitable for preliminary sizing determination of AF-SFMM. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of the proposed analytical method is validated by FEA results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of hybrid magnet dual stator field modulation machine with different split ratios of stators (DSR-HMDSFMM) is proposed in this article, which has the merit of high torque density. The split teeth of stator sever as modulators to modulate air gap flux density based on the magnetic gearing effect for high torque production. The total split tooth number of inner stator is equal to that of outer stator because the pole pair numbers of armature reaction and permanent magnet (PM) excitation on rotor are equal. Furtherly, the inner and outer stators with different split ratios and same split tooth number are employed to increase torque production because armature windings with high winding factor and high turn number can be used. In addition, the employment of hybrid magnet excitation can increase space utilization and enhance the air gap flux density with low harmonic distortion. Therefore, the proposed DSR-HMDSFMM can achieve high torque production with the same volume and PM usage. In order to find the optimal split ratio match of stators, several DSR-HMDSFMMs with different combinations of split ratios are proposed and calculated. The configuration and operating principle are illustrated, together with electromagnetic performances of the proposed machines analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA). The FEA-predicted results show that the proposed HMDSFMM exhibits high air-gap flux density with low harmonic distortion and high torque density, which is promising for the direct-drive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Vernier permanent magnet machines (VPMs) have gained much interest in academia. However, due to the large leakage flux, the power factor of Vernier machines is too low to be applied in real industry. In this article, a novel split-tooth, concentrated-winding Vernier machine using ferrite magnets is proposed for high-torque, low-speed direct-drive applications in home appliance industry. It uses consequent-pole magnets in the rotor, as well as additional assisted magnets in the stator teeth, in order to reduce the leakage flux and boost the torque density. A systematic way of reducing the torque ripple from 40% to 4% is proposed by carefully choosing the right combination of stator/rotor pole-pair numbers. A comprehensive design optimization is conducted to achieve the optimal performance. Finally, the ac loading is carefully reduced to meet the torque, saturation, power factor and space requirements. The test results of a prototyped machine show that the proposed design can achieve 34% more torque and 20% less loss with a reasonable power factor of 0.63, compared with an optimized PM synchronous machine under the same volume. It is found that the significant torque boost is attributed to the multiple working harmonics of the air-gap flux density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of new partitioned stator hybrid excitation axial flux switching permanent magnet (HEAFSPM) motors with different partitioned excitation stator topologies for in-wheel traction applications is presented in this paper. The realization approaches of the partitioned stator HEAFSPM motor are discussed, and the motor topology with windings and permanent magnets (PMs) separately setting on different stators is selected in view of the advantageous structure for thermal management. On this basis, two partitioned excitation stator topologies including C-type tooth core and T-type tooth core stator configuration are proposed, and the air-gap flux modulation and flux regulation principle of the motors are analyzed. In addition, the design method of the partitioned stator HEAFSPM motor considering the effect of hybrid excitation sources is provided, and the two motors with different tooth cores are designed respectively. Meanwhile, for a fair comparison, the multiple objectives optimization method coupled with the sensitivity analysis is employed to optimize the two motors. The electromagnetic performances, anti-demagnetization capability, and flux regulation performance of the two motors are all investigated in detail. Finally, two prototype motors are fabricated and tested. Both the theoretical analysis and experimental results verify the effectiveness and reasonability of the motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed a hybrid subdomain model (HSM) for calculating the magnetic field distribution of interior permanent-magnet (IPM) machine accounting for slotting effect, rotor saliency, and iron nonlinearity. In the constant permeability region, i.e., slots, slot-opening, and air-gap, three subdomains are introduced to represent their magnetic field. By applying the subdomains interface conditions and nonlinear boundary conditions, the analytical air-gap field solution can be obtained based on the governing Laplace and Poisson equation. For the iron region, the magnetic reluctance network (MRN) is proposed to account for rotor saliency iron and nonlinearity. The magnetic voltage source is introduced to represent the permanent-magnet (PM) while the air-gap flux source is used to replace the air-gap reluctance network, which is the key to guarantee the computational efficiency and high accuracy. The electromagnetic performances of both flat-shaped and V-shaped IPM machines are investigated to show the advantages of different IPM machine topologies analytically. The HSM predictions for both IPM machines are validated by finite-element (FE) analysis and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spoke structure can increase the torque density of coaxial magnetic gear (CMG). However, the outer rotor can produce a large number of magnetic leakages. To improve the utility of PMs, a novel magnetic gear was proposed in this paper. The structure of the auxiliary flux modulator is a slotted iron yoke, and the slot angle is same as the stationary ring. Among, the permanent magnets (PMs) of inner rotor are adopted uneven block structure to improve air gap flux density. At the same time, the stationary ring adopts high-temperature superconducting (HTS) bulks, replacing the epoxy resin. In addition, Genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to calculate the optimal parameters of the proposed CMG. Finally, the air gap flux density and output torque of the magnetic gear a compared by the finite element method. The results show that the output torque of the proposed magnetic gear is effectively improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torque ripple reduction for permanent magnet assisted reluctance (PMAREL) machine has always been concerned by designers. In order to seek the internal factors of torque ripple for PMAREL, this article proposes an effective torque calculation model considering air-gap field time-space harmonics using finite element method (FEM) combined with two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (2D-FFT). It can be used to investigate the contribution of air-gap field time-space harmonics to average torque and torque ripple, and precisely extract the characteristic components of the air-gap field time-space harmonics that contribute to the torque. Besides, the details of time-space harmonic order, movement form, magnitude and initial phase will be obtained from the characteristic components. Hence, the time-space harmonics of air-gap field that mainly contribute to the torque ripple can be found through this model and suppressed by adjusting the angles of the flux-barrier ends for making torque smooth. According to the optimized design, a 36-slot 4-pole PMAREL is manufactured and tested. Both finite element analysis and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequent permanent magnet (CPM) pole rotor and harmonic utilization permanent magnet (HUPM) rotor are promising candidates for electric machines with less rare earth materials. Therefore, this article focuses on the analysis and comparison of these rotor types in terms of air-gap flux density characteristics, magnet utilization, and torque density. In the first part, an analytical approach is used to investigate the magneto motive force (MMF) distribution of the rotor and air-gap flux density characteristics. In the second part, finite-element methods (FEMs) are used to compare both rotor topologies with a conventional interior permanent magnet (PM) and spoke PM rotor. The results show that CPM and HUPM rotors can reduce the volume of PMs compared with the conventional configurations. However, with the HUPM rotor, a higher torque density and magnet utilization ratio can be achieved at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a novel spoke-type permanent magnet (PM) machine with two types of PM materials is proposed to reduce the cost. In order to improve torque density and reduce torque ripple, the multi-objective optimization combined finite element method (FEM) and genetic algorithm (GA) are used. In addition, the electromagnetic performances of the novel spoke-type PM machine, including no-load air-gap flux density, electromagnetic torque, torque ripple, efficiency, and cost are compared with the conventional spoke-type PM machine. It is demonstrated that the novel spoke-type PM machine obtains a 1.5% lower torque ripple and 36% lower cost, and the torque density is 4.3% lower than the conventional spoke-type PM machine. Meanwhile, the novel spoke-type PM machine has lower core loss and higher efficiency. Finally, a 40 kW spoke-type PM machine is manufactured to verify the analyzing method. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed machine exhibits high torque density and low cost in the application of electric vehicles (EVs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic performance of high-speed permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) is studied for electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) applications in this article. The electromotive force (EMF) of different magnet pole-arc to pole-pitch ratios is studied. The no-load air-gap density, cogging torque, average torque, torque ripple, core loss, and rotor eddy current losses are investigated by closed slots design. The rotor eddy current losses of different magnetic retaining sleeve materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, and carbon fiber are calculated by finite-element analysis (FEA). The results show that, compared with the opening slot structure, the torque ripple and the rotor eddy current losses of closed slot structure are extremely reduced due to the fact that the 11th and 13th harmonics of air-gap flux density are significantly reduced and the slotting effect are effectively weakened. Increase the closed slot height not only reduce the average torque and increase the core loss but also the torque ripple and the rotor eddy current losses reduction effect is slight. A high-speed PMSM with closed slots design is prototyped to verify the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, based on a 6-stator coil/17 rotor-tooth (6/17) conventional concentrated-winding multitooth flux-switching permanent magnet (C-MFSPM) machine, a novel full-pitch multitooth flux-switching permanent magnet (FP-MFSPM) machine is proposed by changing winding configurations. Then the electromagnetic performance of six FP-MFSPM topologies sharing the same 6-stator coil but with different rotor teeth combinations, namely, 6/13, 6/15, 6/17, 6/19, 6/21, and 6/23, is compared by using finite-element analysis (FEA). The results show that 6/17 and 6/19 are the optimal stator coil/rotor tooth combinations for FP-MFSPM machines, which exhibit better electromagnetic performance such as more enormous torque and smaller torque ripple. Thereafter, the existing C-MFSPM and the proposed FP-MFSPM machines with 6/17 and 6/19 structures are quantitatively compared in terms of no-load back electromotive force (back EMF), air-gap flux density, cogging torque, electromagnetic torque, torque ripple, and so on. The FEA-predicted results validate that the proposed FP-MFSPM machines have more sinusoidal back EMF, larger torque output, and smaller torque ripple, which are superior to the C-MFSPM topologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, superposition methods including the superposition of a single stator tooth and the superposition of a single rotor tooth, are proposed to predict the open-circuit performances of flux-reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machines. By the proposed superposition methods, the electromagnetic performances, such as air-gap flux density, electromotive force, cogging torque, and unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP) are investigated and verified by 2D finite element analysis (FEA). Further, according to the superposition methods, cogging torque reduction techniques can be acquired from both stator side and rotor side. In addition, the influence of stator-slot/rotor-pole-pairs (slot/pole) combination on UMP is also studied, and consequently, a reasonable slot/pole combination rule is suggested to avoid UMP. Then, an improved configuration for UMP reduction is also investigated and verified by FEA. Finally, the prototype machines are manufactured and tested to further verify the theoretical analysis and FEA predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a monolayer Halbach array based permanent magnet spherical motor (PMSpM) using cubic permanent magnets (PM). The research aims to provide a fast computing model to calculate the magnetic field for this PMSpM, which helps for future PMSpM optimization and control study. Three thickness equivalence principles are provided and compared for cubic PMs. The magnetic scalar potential is introduced, and the spherical harmonics expansion is implemented for rotor magnetic field analysis. Engineering revision is used to reduce the Legendre function deviation in polar angle direction. Torques and forces are deduced using the Lorentz force law, and relatively simple models of this PMSpM for both magnetic fields and torques are acquired. In addition, a prototype motor has been developed, and the analytic results of air-gap flux density and torque are compared with their finite element simulation and experimental results, which are proved consistent. It is concluded that the fundamental component of the spherical harmonics can be used to present the magnetic field model, which uses fewer integrals than the Biot-Savart law based solution, and the modeling results of the magnetic field flux density, forces and torques are in line with the expectations. The analytic models are proved correct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the influence of stator slot number on electromagnetic performance of two-pole high speed permanent magnet (HSPM) slotted motors with toroidal (TO) windings. Four two-pole slotted motors with different slot numbers, i.e., 3, 6, 9, and 12, are globally optimised for maximum torque, and their electromagnetic performance are compared, including winding factor, air-gap flux density, back electromotive force, cogging torque, electromagnetic torque, winding inductances, unbalanced magnetic force (UMF), and various loss components. It shows that the six-slot/two-pole HSPM motor with TO windings is eminently suitable for high speed application due to no UMF and easy to realise a modular structure. In addition, TO and tooth-coil windings are compared in the three-slot/two-pole motors, and the results confirm that TO windings are not suitable for use in the three-slot/two-pole HSPM slotted motor due to large airgap field harmonics. Finally, a six-slot/two-pole prototype motor is manufactured and tested to validate the finite element predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall driving cycle efficiency of conventional permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) for electric vehicle tractions in a wide speed range is constrained due to the large field weakening current and high iron loss in high speed. The series hybrid permanent magnet variable flux machines (HPM-VFMs) which employ both low coercive force (LCF) magnets and high coercive force magnets are proposed to obtain high torque density and flexible air-gap flux density simultaneously. The key of HPM-VFMs design is the accuracy of hysteresis model of LCF magnets and operating principle analysis. This article contributes to clarify operating principle based on hysteresis model of AlNiCo magnets and propose a novel design consideration to reduce magnetizing and demagnetizing current. Based on the theoretical analysis, this article proposes a novel series HPM-VFM, in which the NdFeB and AlNiCo magnets are arranged separately. Furthermore, flux paths are designed to achieve appropriate interaction between two kinds of magnets. The proposed machine has features of wide magnetization state (MS) variation range, low magnetizing and demagnetizing current, and low risk of unintentional demagnetization. By manipulating the MS of the proposed machine, the losses of a wide speed range operation could be reduced. The comparison of efficiency maps and the worldwide-harmonized light vehicles test cycle driving cycle losses between the proposed machine and a conventional interior PMSM proves that the proposed machine achieves higher efficiency for electric vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present a bearingless motor with a novel segmented dipole interior permanent magnet (IPM) slice rotor. The segmented dipole IPM rotor contains a unique pattern of interior permanent magnets arranged to generate a dipole air gap flux pattern. The magnets are encapsulated within an electrical steel rotor structure. The stator contains a three-phase, four-pole winding for suspension and a three-phase, two-pole winding for rotation. We present analyses of several candidate rotor designs. The analyses indicate that the segmented dipole IPM rotor achieves a reduced tradeoff between force and torque capacity and relatively symmetric force dynamics as compared to prior art designs and alternate topologies. Symmetric and decoupled force dynamics allow a simple force decoupling algorithm to be used. We designed, constructed, and tested a prototype system. We experimentally demonstrate that the prototype system can achieve stable levitation and open-loop rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an optimization design method of power factor is proposed for vernier permanent magnet (VPM) machine, in which the key is to analyze and investigate the power factor from the perspective of air-gap flux harmonic modulation. To improve the design efficiency, air-gap harmonics are analyzed and serve as the crucial bridge between power factor and machine geometry. It is noted that, during the operation of the VPM machine, more attention is required for the power factor of low-speed operation area. Based on the popular new European driving cycle of the electric vehicles, three low-speed driving conditions are chosen for the optimization design. For the systematic investigation, a V-shape VPM machine is selected as an optimization example. In order to evaluate conveniently, the comprehensive power factor is defined and sensitive air-gap flux harmonics of different conditions are selected as the optimization objectives, for improving the power factor characteristics in low-speed conditions. In addition, power factor and machine performances are evaluated to validate the proposed method. Finally, the prototype machine is built and tested. Both the simulation and experimental results reveal the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method and investigated VPM machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flux-modulation machines operate based on the so-called magnetic-gear effect. The modulator of the flux-modulation machine is one of the key elements. In this paper, a design method to obtain the distribution of modulators on split-pole flux-modulation machine is proposed to improve output performance. First, the operation principle of the flux-modulation machine is briefly discussed. Then, taking surface-mounted flux-modulation machines as examples, the air-gap flux density model is established by taking the distribution of the modulator into account. Besides, the formula of back-electromotive force of the flux-modulation machine is derived for both concentrated and distributed windings to determine the modulator distribution. Then, according to extreme equation, the optimal pole arc coefficient and distribution of the modulators can be obtained. Finally, the correctness of the proposed method is verified by both simulated and experimental results on a prototype machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a successful design of a three-phase large capacity line-start permanent magnet synchro nous motor (LSPMSM) developed for industrial applications. A hybrid rotor containing both slotted solid steels and cage bars is included in the designed LSPMSM to enhance the motor starting and synchronizing abilities. A salient rotor periphery making air-gap length, which maximizes at the quadrature axis and minimizes at the direct axis, is employed to reduce the harmonics of air-gap flux density and motor losses. The implementation of a genetic algorithm coupled with a neural network optimizes the rotor-periphery saliency ratio and other crucial dimensions for further performance improvement. Finite-element analyses highlight the advantages of the designed LSPMSM by comparing its performance indexes with those of a conventional cage-rotor LSPMSM. The effectiveness of the designed motor is validated by a series of prototype tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problems of poor capacity and unsatisfactory efficiency of flux-weakening control for the axial-flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines with surface-mounted permanent magnet (PM) rotor structure, a new axial-flux hybrid-excitation machine (AFHEM) with double consequent-pole rotors is proposed, which combines the high torque density of the AFPM machine and the flexible flux regulation of the hybrid excitation machine. It meets the stringent requirements of the distributed in-wheel motor electric drive vehicle for high efficiency and high torque density. The topology, principle, and basic electromagnetic properties of the new axial-flux hybrid-excitation in-wheel motor are presented in this article. Based on the complex magnetic circuit of the AFHEM, a 3-D equivalent magnetic network (EMN) model is established. The air-gap flux density, flux linkage, back EMF, torque, and fault tolerance ability of the motor are solved through the EMN model and compared with the 3-D finite element analysis (FEA) to verify its validity and correctness. It is hoped to form a rapid design method for the new type of motor with the complex structure of 3-D magnetic flux path property. Finally, based on the EMN model, the influences of the magnetic saturation on the excitation regulation capability of the proposed AFHEM are analyzed, which provides a guideline for the optimization design of the new AFHE in-wheel motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed permanent magnet machine (HSPMM) design is considered with particular attention paid to machine electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical analyses. In this article, a 140-kW, 15 000 r/min HSPMM is designed with its power losses evaluated at first. Afterward, the machine temperature distribution is obtained based on computational fluid dynamics modeling. HSPMM is prototyped with experimental tests conducted to verify the calculation results. Mechanical strength analysis is performed for the HSPMM rotor structure with pole filler by finite-element method for the rotor at three operational conditions, while the influences from sleeve parameters on rotor strength are comprehensively studied for the HSPMM rotor at the most challenging condition. In this article, stator auxiliary slotting is extensively researched to reduce the rotor eddy current loss with little effects on machine output torque. The air gap flux density for HSPMM with auxiliary slotting is analytically predicted, while the working mechanism is illustrated in-depth. The effects from auxiliary slot dimensions, numbers and positions, on machine performances are further proposed and investigated. The experimental tests also validate the reduction of HSPMM rotor eddy current loss by the application of auxiliary slotting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent magnet adjustable speed drive (PMASD) has been widely applied to regulate the speeds of large pumps and fans for energy-saving. For improving the torque density and simplifying the actuator of traditional PMASD, a novel squirrel-cage rotor (SCR-) PMASD with a non-rotary mechanical flux adjuster (MFA) is proposed in this paper. An analytical model considering the slot effect and the MFA shifting is established to analyze the magnetic field and the output torque efficiently for the initial design of the proposed drive. The air-gap flux density distributions obtained by the analytical model are verified by two-dimensional (2D-) finite element analysis (FEA). During the speed regulation process, the torque characteristics, power, loss, and efficiency of the drive under different MFA shifting distances are compared with the 2D-FEA and experimental results. The analysis and measured results show that the proposed drive can achieve a wide speed regulation range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a quasi-3-D analytical model for double-sided axial-flux permanent magnet machines (AFPMMs) with coreless structures. A simple, fast, and accurate technique is developed to calculate flux densities in different parts of the AFPMM combining the solution of Maxwell’s equations and the magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC). In this technique, Maxwell’s equations are used to generate flux sources that are used in the reluctance network of the MEC. After calculating all the reluctances and flux sources, the magnetic flux densities are obtained. This method takes into account the effects of permanent magnet (PM) reluctance, leakage flux between PM-to-PM, PM-to-rotor leakage flux at different PM edges, and the fringing flux effect. By considering these leakage fluxes as a factor called variation function in the design procedure of the machine, the analysis time is dramatically reduced compared to numerical methods while maintained high reliability. It should be noted that since considering saturation phenomenon effects in coreless AFPMM analysis does not give rise to significantly different performances, they are not included in the proposed model. Furthermore, the machine’s main features, such as the axial and tangential components of the no-load flux density in the air-gap and stator areas, as well as the back electromotive force (EMF), are derived by using magnetic field solutions and simple equivalent circuits. Finally, to validate the accuracy of the proposed method, the analytical results are compared to the case that no leakage fluxes are included in the analytical model and to the 3-D finite-element analysis (FEA) in terms of computation time and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shaping of the air gap of a V-typed fractional slot concentrated windings interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (IPMSMs) is investigated for compressed-air system (CAS) applications in this article. The harmonics of no-load air gap density, average torque, torque ripple, and iron losses are studied by the finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that the air gap shaping of the V-typed IPMSM can be effectively used to reduce the torque ripple and stator core loss. It is because the low-order harmonics of the air gap flux density can be reduced with a little decrease in the average torque. The proposed air gap shaping methods have the advantages of simple design and simple manufacture. A V-typed IPMSM with air gap shaping is prototyped to verify the correctness of the analysis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interior permanent magnet synchronous motor uses a barrier structure to block the magnetic flux circulating inside the rotor and to send the magnetic flux into the air gap. Although the airgap magnetic flux density can be increased through the barrier, there is the disadvantage of increased torque ripple. Thus, this study is conducted to determine whether the torque ripple could be reduced by changing the barrier shape. The problem here is that the torque inevitably decreases when the torque ripple is decreased. Therefore, in this study, a novel shape of the bridge is proposed in a model in which the torque ripple is reduced but the torque is not. The notch structure is applied to the bridge and is analyzed through finite-element method analysis. To intuitively express the relationship between the torque and the torque ripple, a torque efficiency factor is devised, and as a result, the torque is maintained but the torque ripple is reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, to improve the adjustment ability of air gap flux, a new interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous machine with permeability modulation characteristics is proposed for electric vehicles’ (EVs) potential applications. The main trait of the machine structure is that a bridge between the rotor poles is intentionally established, which can produce a smooth magnetic path for the leakage flux. Thus, the flux leakage state can be adjusted by controlling the magnetic saturation of the bridge according to the machine load current. To clarify this feature, the machine performances are investigated by theoretical analysis and finite-element method. Finally, the designed machine is manufactured and its performances are verified by experiments. Both the simulation and experimental results prove that the torque of the proposed machine under loaded conditions can be flexibly adjusted by the magnetic permeability modulation without any complex control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extremely fast magnetostatic magnetic field modeling method is developed that includes nonlinear relative permeabilities (or “magnetic saturation”) of soft magnetic materials with nonuniform magnetization. The model assumes regions of linearity within the material in order to apply analytic equations and superposition. This article presents the general theory and method for 3-D geometries, along with a 2-D axisymmetric example case study that is of interest for tubular linear actuator (or motor) design. The case study maximizes the average air-gap flux of an axially magnetized pole piece and shows a close correlation of the internal and external magnetic flux densities with a finite element analysis. This demonstrates the method as suitable for large parametric searches of topologies, toward the optimization of electrical machines, linear actuators, transformers, or more general 3-D electromagnetic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents two novel double-layer permanent-magnet flux reversal (PMFR) machines to improve the torque capability, namely Machine A and Machine B. Both the Machine A and Machine B are designed as the consequent-pole PMFR machines. The rotors of two machines are identical, which adopt Halbach array permanent-magnet (PM) in the rotor slot to guide the flux into the rotor teeth to reduce the leakage flux. However, the PM relative positions of two PMFR machines on the adjacent stator teeth are different, which result in different pole numbers of air-gap flux density. The operation principles and performances of two machines are introduced and compared in this article. In addition, the air gap fields of two machines by PM magnetomotive force (MMF) are analyzed and the contribution of the dominant air-gap flux density harmonics to torque is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an analytical model for analyzing the electromagnetic performance of axial flux permanent magnet machines (AFPMMs) with the coexistence of static rotor radial deviation and angular eccentricity. Firstly, a quasi-3-D analytical model for the healthy AFPMMs is established using the scalar potential. Then, the analytical model of AFPMMs with the mixed eccentricity is derived by the coordinate transformation and air gap length function. The end effect under the mixed eccentricity is considered by an end coefficient, which improves the accuracy of back EMF by 1.3%. Based on the analytical model, the air gap flux density distribution, back EMF and cogging torque of AFPMMs with different rotor radial distances and angular eccentricities are calculated and compared with the corresponding results obtained by finite element analysis (FEA). The proposed model has higher analysis speed and less computer performance requirement than FEA with the similar accuracy. According to the results, the back EMF reduces obviously as the rotor radial deviation distance increases, and the back EMF almost unchanged as the angular eccentricity becomes serious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a novel analytical model which combines subdomain method and magnet equivalent circuit (MEC) method to predict the cogging torque of surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM) motors with rotor eccentricity and magnet defects in any slot-pole combination cases. Firstly, the general solution of open-circuit magnetic field distribution in a slotless SPM motor with magnet defects is derived. Then, the motor is divided into several subdomains along the air-gap circumferential direction to consider the non-uniform air-gap caused by rotor eccentricity, where the air-gap lengths of each subdomain are considered to be uniform. Finally, the methods of conformal mapping and MEC combined with equivalent current is used to consider the effect of slotting and saturation, which is beneficial to improve the calculation precision. The magnetic field distributions and cogging torque calculated by the proposed model are consistent with the results of finite element analysis (FEA). Compared with the FEA, the proposed model can perform fast calculations of air-gap flux density and cogging torque under rotor eccentricity and magnet defects for SPM motors, which can be utilized for optimizing the motor towards fault tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In permanent magnet synchronous machine design, a limited number of stator and rotor slots distorts the air-gap flux distribution and its effective length. It causes machine parameters to vary with the rotor position. The rotor flux linkage harmonics introduce nonsinusoidal back-EMF, which causes current harmonics when conventional PI current controller is adopted. Those machines suffer from high-frequency torque ripple due to air-gap flux harmonics in low-speed region. However, in high-speed region, where the torque ripple is filtered out by the mechanical system, the torque ripple may be disregarded. In this case, torque-ripple suppression methods and the associated harmonic current components generate losses. Therefore, a sinusoidal current control is required to reduce the undesired harmonic losses. In this manner, this article focuses on the sinusoidal current control strategy based on harmonic voltage injection, which requires knowledge of rotor magnet flux linkage harmonics. This article also proposes both off- and on-line schemes for the identification of rotor magnet flux linkage harmonics. These methods do not require any proprietary machine design details such as the shape of stator or rotor for finite element analysis. Commonly used PI plus resonant controller is also designed and its disadvantages in terms of speed-dependent gain and stability, in comparison to the proposed scheme, are highlighted. Finally, experimental results are presented to compare the proposed scheme with the conventional method at different operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent magnets together with yokes to concentrate the magnetic flux into a cylindrical air gap are widely employed in Kibble balances. These experiments require a uniform magnetic flux density along a vertical path, typically a substantial fraction of the length of the air gap. Fringe fields that are present at both ends of the air gap limit the region where the flux density does not change more than a certain relative fraction (here, $5\times 10^{-4}$) of the flux density in the center of the magnet system. By simply adding an iron ring with a rectangular cross section to the inner yoke at each end of the air gap, the effects of the fringe fields can be counteracted, and hence, the length of the region, where the flux density remains within a given tolerance band, is increased. Compared with the alternative, employing a taller magnet, the proposed method yields a magnet system with an extended region of a uniform field without significantly increasing the mass of the magnet system. Potential applications include compact and tabletop Kibble balances. We investigate possible adverse effects on the performance of the magnet system caused by the additional rings: magnetic field strength, coil-current effect, and a dependence of the radial field on the radial position in the field. No substantial disadvantage was found. Instead, the method presented here outperformed previously suggested methods to improve the radial dependence of the radial field, e.g., shorter outer yoke. In summary, adding rings to the inner yoke improves the uniformity of the field without a detrimental effect to function, cost, and form factor of the magnet system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present a new configuration of bearingless slice motor that levitates and rotates a ring-shaped solid steel reluctance rotor. The rotor is 50 mm in diameter and has salient features on the outer surface. Symmetric sets of Halbach magnet arrays, mounted on the tips of stator teeth, establish a homopolar bias flux around the rotor. The bias flux passively stabilizes the rotor in the out-of-plane tilts and axial translation, whereas the rotor's radial translations are actively stabilized by feedback control. The rotor saliencies spatially modulate the air-gap bias flux such that the resulting torque-current relationship is similar to that of permanent-magnet synchronous machines. We have designed, built, and tested a prototype bearingless motor and control system. The prototype system achieves a torque constant of 14.9 mNm/A, maximum speed of 5500 r/min, and suspension bandwidth of 84 Hz with a phase margin of 11.3 $^{\circ }$. The rated torque and speed are 26.8 mNm and 3486 r/min, respectively, and the axial and tilting passive stiffnesses are 15.3 N/mm and 34.4 mNm/ $^{\circ }$ , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a novel hybrid analysis method for spoke-type permanent magnet (PM) machines (STPMMs) is presented, which considers axial flux leakage using the machine’s lumped magnetic circuit. The STPMM can increase its air-gap flux density due to its effective flux concentration, but high flux leakage occurs in the axial end of its PMs. This results in a discrepancy between conventional 2-D finite-element analysis results and experimental data. To correct the discrepancy resulting from the unwanted axial flux leakage, a virtual residual flux density of the PM is proposed through equivalent circuits and a finite analysis model. The modified residual flux density is applied to 2-D numerical analyses, and the accuracy and usefulness of the proposed method are confirmed through 3-D numerical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axial–radial flux type permanent magnet synchronous machine can adjust air gap flux, which provides a new strategy for flux regulation of a permanent magnet motor. In this article, the structure of the ferromagnetic bridge is optimized by analyzing the magnetic circuit structure of Numerical anlysis of an axial-radial flux type fully superconducting synchronous motor (ARFTFSSM). The three-dimensional finite-element model of the motor is established by using the finite-element method, and the changes of air gap flux density and back electromotive force are compared through the finite-element prediction. The results show that the optimized ferromagnetic bridge has better magnetic regulation performance. On this basis, the eddy current distribution and eddy current loss of two kinds of ferromagnetic bridge structures are further compared and analyzed. Finally, the experimental results verify the accuracy of the calculation, and the research results can provide a reference for the further study of hybrid excitation motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the open-circuit analytical magnetic field distribution model for a new permanent magnets (PMs) rotor configuration designed to improve the utilization of rare earth magnets for flux density production. The air-gap flux density is determined with the superposition method according to the magnetomotive force (MMF) and the air-gap permeance model. Since the new rotor consists of two different rotor topologies, e.g., lateral and spoke magnets, their MMF functions are determined separately. The rotor flux barrier (FB) effect on the rotor MMF harmonics is included and studied closely. The investigations carried out on different rotor topologies show high positive impact of FBs on the third or the operating wave. Compared to the conventional rotor, the utilization of PMs for air-gap flux density production significantly is improved. To verify the analytic model, finite elements (FEs) are used and several simulation results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes an enhanced-torque switched reluctance motor with two sets of permanent magnets (PM-SRM) embedded inside the stator yoke and the end teeth of the neighboring modules. The PMs contribute to intensify the air-gap flux density and reduce the magnetic saturation in the stator poles. As a result, the output torque can be enhanced to a significant extent. The working principle of the proposed PM-SRM is clarified using its magnetic circuit model (MCM). The characteristics of the PM-SRM are obtained and compared with classical 12/8 and 6/5 SRMs and hybrid reluctance motors (HRMs) in terms of static and average torque and average torque per PMs volume. The steady-state performance of the PM-SRM in terms of current and torque waveforms is carried out, and the PM-SRM is compared with considered SRMs and HRMs in terms of output torque, power, and efficiency. All the comparisons demonstrate the out-performance of the proposed PM-SRM over other SRMs and HRMs. To validate the simulation results, a prototype of the PM-SRM is manufactured and the experimental results are obtained. Both the simulation and experimental results are indicative of the fact that the proposed PM-SRM can gain high torque and high PM utilization factor, simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, two kinds of dual-layer segmented Halbach arrays have been proposed for permanent-magnet (PM) brushless machines. The analytical expressions of magnetic fields due to the inner-/outer-layer Halbach magnets have been separately obtained. For the maximal flux density in the air gap, the optimal magnet segment radian ratios or magnetization angles for each dual-layer Halbach array have been analytically determined separately. The induced back electromotive force and electromagnetic torque have been analytically obtained. The prediction results show that the optimized electromagnetic performances for each double-layer segmented Halbach array with different slot and pole combinations are better than those for the corresponding single-layer one. The proposed analytical model can also be applied for optimizing the multi-layer segmented Halbach array. The analytical prediction results of a PM machine with the double-layer segmented Halbach array have been compared with those obtained by a finite-element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]