Search Results (10)

With growing demand for high-performance and high-efficiency motors, Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Motors (AFPMs) have received significant attention. These motors typically use rare-earth magnets due to their high magnetic and energy density. However, rare-earth magnets face challenges such as limited availability and price volatility, prompting research into reducing magnet usage. This study aims to reduce magnet consumption by applying a Consequent Pole (CP) structure to AFPMs. While CP structures improve magnet efficiency, they also introduce significant back-EMF ripple. To address this, an Intersect Consequent Pole (ICP) structure is proposed, which reduces ripple through alternating magnet placement within the rotor. Since ICP implementation is difficult in single-rotor AFPMs, a double-rotor, single-stator configuration was used. Simulation results show that the proposed design effectively reduces magnet usage and back-EMF ripple, demonstrating its potential for maintaining high performance with reduced rare-earth dependency. Full article

This study focuses on the experimental determination of the lumped parameters of a Spoke-Type Axial-Flux Permanent Magnet (STAFPM) motor. This type of motor offers high specific torque and is well-suited for transportation applications. The studied STAFPM motor uses Ferrite magnets, which are more environmentally friendly and economical than rare earth magnets. The identification of the lumped electromechanical model parameters is carried out using static torque measurements on a dedicated test bench. The torque measurements are performed in two stages: with and without magnets mounted in the rotor. The no-load flux is determined separately by no-load tests. Together, these tests identify the key parameters of the lumped parameter model, such as self- and mutual inductances, cogging torque, and no-load flux. These parameters are then used to complement the DQ model, commonly used in electric motor analysis. While the DQ model predicts average torque well, it cannot reproduce torque ripples. The lumped parameter model, validated by three-phase DC testing, provides an accurate representation of the motor’s behavior, including torque ripples. This study also applies Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) control strategies and offers a practical alternative to 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA), thus aiding the design of STAFPM motors. Full article

Currently, electric machines predominantly rely on costly rare-earth NdFeB magnets, which pose both economic and environmental challenges due to rising demand. This research explores recent advancements in machine topologies and magnetic materials to identify and assess promising solutions to this issue. The study investigates two alternative machine topologies to the conventional permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM): the permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance machine (PMaSynRM), which reduces magnet usage, and the wound-field synchronous machine (WFSM), which eliminates magnets entirely. Additionally, the potential of ferrite and recycled NdFeB magnets as substitutes for primary NdFeB magnets is evaluated. Through detailed simulations, the study compares the performance and cost-effectiveness of these solutions against a reference permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). Given their promising performance characteristics and potential to reduce or eliminate the use of rare-earth materials in next-generation electric machines, it is recommended that future research should focus on novel topologies like hybrid-excitation, axial-flux, and switched reluctance machines with an emphasis on manufacturability and also novel magnetic materials such as FeN and MnBi that are currently seeing synthesis challenges. Full article

The instability in rare-earth material supply and rising costs have driven research into rare-earth-free electric motors. Among various alternatives, wound rotor synchronous motors (WRSMs) stand out due to their adjustable excitation, enabling high torque at low speeds, and efficient field weakening at high speeds. Unlike permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), WRSMs offer greater operational flexibility and eliminate the risk of demagnetization. However, accurately modeling WRSMs remains challenging, especially when considering axial fringing flux and leakage components, which significantly affect motor performance. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a 3D nonlinear magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model that explicitly incorporates axial flux components and leakage paths in WRSMs with overhang rotor structures. Unlike conventional 2D MEC models, which fail to capture axial flux interactions, the proposed approach improves prediction accuracy while significantly reducing computational costs compared to full 3D finite element analysis (FEA). The model was validated through comparisons with 3D FEA simulations and experimental back-EMF measurements, demonstrating its accuracy and computational efficiency. The results confirm that the 3D nonlinear MEC model effectively captures axial flux paths and leakage components, making it a valuable tool for WRSM design and analysis. Future research will focus on further refining the model, incorporating hysteresis loss modeling, and developing hybrid MEC–FEA simulation techniques to enhance its applicability. Full article

Saving energy from domestic appliances is a focus in the effort to combat energy challenges. Linear compressors are a more efficient alternative to the traditional compressors used in refrigerators, which account for 20–40% of all residential electricity use. This article investigates the new topology of the moving magnet (MM), dual-stator single-mover linear oscillating actuator (DSSM-LOA) for linear compressor application. Both the stators were C-shaped, with coils looped across their end sides. Two permanent magnets (PMs) that were axially magnetized were housed on the mover. The PM structural shape significantly affected its fabrication cost and magnitude of magnetic flux density ($B$). The DSSM-LOA makes use of axially magnetized rectangular-shaped PMs because they are inexpensive and generate high electromagnetic (EM) force density. End ferromagnetic core materials were used to improve the magnetic flux, linking from the stator to the mover. All the design parameters were optimized through parametric analysis using the finite parametric sweep method. Parameters present within the three primary parameters (length, height, and depth) that were assumed constants were optimized, and the optimal dimensions were selected based on the EM force. The investigated DSSM-LOA was contrasted with traditional LOA designs, and they showed significant improvement in EM force per ampere, generally named motor constant (MC), MC per PM mass, MC density, cogging force, and stroke. Additionally, the proposed DSSM-LOA had a simple structure and low cost, and it operated in a feasible range of strokes for linear compressor application. Full article

The traditional flux reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machine has high torque ripple due to the double salient-pole structure, and the effective air-gap length is increased by the permanent magnet structure of the stator tooth surface, which affects the size of the air-gap magnetomotive force (MMF). This paper proposes an axial modular flux-reversal permanent magnet (AM-FRPM) machine with attractive torque capabilities. Based on air-gap magnetic field modulation theory, a method to achieve optimal air-gap harmonic torque contributions was developed. Then, the principle for high-torque-density generation in the AM-FRPM machine under an alternating magnetization topology was investigated using the PM magnetic field modulation and armature reaction magnetic field modulation. In addition, the cogging torque suppression mechanism, which guides the selection of stator-slot and rotor-pole combinations, was investigated. In addition, a comprehensive comparison of the electromagnetic characteristics of two AM-FRPM machines and a traditional FRPM machine was conducted. Then, the advantages and disadvantages of the three machines were analyzed. Finally, prototypes were manufactured and tested to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis. Full article

This paper presents an alternative system called the axial-flux dual-stator toothless permanent magnet machine (AFDSTPMM) system for flywheel energy storage. This system lowers self-dissipation by producing less core loss than existing structures; a permanent magnet (PM) array is put forward to enhance the air–gap flux density of the symmetrical air gap on both sides. Moreover, its vertical stability is strengthened through the adoption of an axial-flux machine, so expensive active magnetic bearings can be replaced. The symmetry configuration of the AFDSTPMM system is shown in this paper. Then, several parts of the AFDSTPMM system are optimized thoroughly, including stator windings, number of pole pairs and the PM parameters. Further, the performance of the proposed PM array, including back-EMFs, air–gap flux density, average torque, torque ripple and over-load capacity, are compared with the Halbach PM array and spoke PM array, showing the superiority of proposed configuration. Finally, 3D simulations were made to testify for the 2D analyses. Full article

The Axial Flux Permanent Magnet (AFPM) motor represents a valid alternative to the traditional radial flux motor due to its compact structure; it is suitable for in-wheel applications so that the transmission gear can be suppressed. The modeling of the motor is a purely Three-Dimensional (3D) problem and the use of 3D finite element tools allows the attainment of accurate results taking also into account the effects of the end-windings. Moreover, a 3D multiphysics analysis is essential to evaluate not only the motor performance and its thermal behavior, but also the electromagnetic forces acting on the surfaces of the stator teeth and of the magnets that face the air gap. Moreover, as the vehicle’s motors often work in variable-speed conditions, the prediction of vibrations and noise for electric motors over a wide speed range is usually necessary. The paper presents a double-sided AFPM motor for a small pure electric vehicle; the basic drive architecture includes four axial flux motors installed directly inside the vehicle’s wheels. The aim is to propose advanced and integrated electromagnetic, vibroacoustic and thermal analyses that allow the investigation of the axial flux motor behavior in a detailed and exhaustive way. Full article

In this paper, an axial field switched-flux permanent magnet (AFSFPM) machine with stator-PM, which has a high power/torque density and efficiency feature as well as shorter axial length, is designed, analyzed and controlled. The topology, operating principle and design procedure of the AFSFPM machine are labored and discussed. The electromagnetic performance, including the flux linkage, back-EMF, cogging torque, winding inductance and field-control capability, are studied based on 3-D finite-element analysis (FEA). In order to investigate the operating performance of the machine in the whole speed range, a continuous-control-set model predictive control (MPC) method for the AFSFPM machine is proposed. Based on the stage control targets, the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) and maximum output power flux-weakening strategies are presented in constant torque and constant power regions, respectively. Finally, a prototype of AFSFPM machine has been manufactured and experimentally evaluated and the results show that the MTPA strategy increases the load capability and the flux-weakening strategy broadens the constant power operation range. Moreover, the anti-load-disturbance capacity and dynamic response performance are improved under the MPC method. As a result, the proposed AFSFPM machine drive system is excellent alternative for electrical vehicles (EVs) or hybrid EVs (HEVs). Full article

This paper proposes the design of a three-phase axial flux permanent magnet alternator (AFPMA) that is characterized with an air-cored stator and two-rotor (ACSTR) configuration. The AFPMA is harnessed with fully controlled AC/DC converter using six bridge Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBTs) capable to deliver a constant DC output power as an attempt to replace the Lundell alternator for automotive applications. First, the design methodology and analysis of the AFPMA is introduced. The most effective parameters, such as rotor diameter, magnet thickness, number of turns, and winding thickness are determined. A smart digital control which facilitates the comparison between the magnitudes of the three-phase input signals instead of finding the zero crossing points is developed. Moreover, custom design comparators are specially designed and developed to generate adaptive signals that are fed into an Arduino Uno microcontroller. Accordingly, the Arduino generates the timely precise pulses that are necessary to maintain the appropriate triggering of the IGBTs. This technique allows the IGBTs to conduct in an adaptive manner to overcome the problem of asymmetrical voltage outputs from the AFPM alternator. The system is also capable of handling the variation in the speed of the AFPMA via the rigor code in Arduino that detects the change in the supply frequency and voltages in a real time process. The system is first analyzed via simulations using MATLAB/Simulink and then experimentally validated at certain speed and loading conditions. The preliminary tests results indicate that such system is capable to provide an efficient solution to satisfy automotive electric power demands. Full article