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This paper proposes a method to reduce the torque pulsation of the three-phase fractional-slot concentrated-winding (FSCW) interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor by lowering sub-harmonics. The key principle of this method is the selection of an optimized six-layer winding with different numbers of conductors. Firstly, the interaction of stator-rotor magnetomotive force (MMF) which contributes to the torque pulsation is analyzed. Additionally, the relationship between sub-harmonics (1st sub-harmonic and 2nd sub-harmonic) and torque pulsation orders is revealed. Then, different numbers of conductors are adopted in coils to eliminate the 2nd sub-harmonic. Nevertheless, the 1st sub-harmonic increases in the two-layer and four-layer windings. Therefore, the optimized six-layer winding is employed to suppress the 1st sub-harmonic and ensure that the 2nd sub-harmonic is zero. Besides, there are almost no other harmonics except the main harmonic and slot harmonics in the proposed IPM motor. Hence, the torque pulsation can be greatly reduced even under different current angles. Furthermore, the principle for torque pulsation reduction by lowering sub-harmonics is revealed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through the comparisons with finite element analysis and experimental test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an investigation of winding structures is performed for 3-phase unbalanced and asymmetric winding permanent magnet (PM) machines including different slot-pole combinations. There are two different cases for unbalanced winding (UBW) structure: 1) Stator slot number of the machine is divisible by three, 2) Stator slot number of the machine is not divisible by three. Only the first case is examined in this paper. The unbalanced winding layouts are created for minimum unbalance and maximum winding factor. Total magneto motive force (MMF) distributions for nine different slot-pole combinations and their harmonic contents are presented. Variation of the amount of unbalance for different slot-pole combinations is also provided in the paper. Key issues arising from the asymmetric and unbalanced windings such as degree of asymmetric and unbalanced magnetic pull are explored. A prototype motor with 39-slots and 12-poles has been manufactured for experimental verification. A comparison between the finite element analysis (FEA) results and experimental results is presented for the prototype motor for both no-load and on-load conditions. It is shown that the asymmetric and unbalanced winding PM motors have significant potential for applications requiring smooth torque operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the comparative analysis of modular spoke-type permanent magnet machines with two magnetization modes, which are referred to as M-I and M-II types. The analytical models of the proposed machines are built based on the simple magneto-motive-force-permeance method. With the help of finite element analysis and the analytical models, magnetic fields in machines with different magnetization modes are compared. Then, taking as a base an existing commercial in-wheel machine used in an electric motorcycle, two proposed machines with different magnetization modes are designed as in-wheel traction machines and compared with respect to electromagnetic torque, flux-weakening performance, over-load capability, etc. The machines are prototyped and experimentally tested to verify the prediction that the M-II machines exhibit a higher torque output whereas the M-I machines have a wider speed range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial demagnetization is a condition that may occur in Permanent Magnet machines due to overloading or thermal stress. Whenthis happens, the magnetic field locally weakens leading to an asymmetry of the air-gap field. This asymmetry will cause harmonics, which will be expressed as extra losses and mechanical oscillations. Moreover, since the field becomes weaker, more current is required to serve the load leading to less efficiency, increased losses and consequently increase of the temperature, which will cause further progression of the demagnetization severity until a total machine breakdown. Several methods have been proposed in the literature for the online detection of the demagnetization, however they have not related the fault to the manufacturing characteristics of the machine, which play an important role on the expected harmonic index and the associated fault signatures. This paper presents for the first time a detailed analytical investigation of the expected harmonics in the stator current spectrum in case of demagnetization, as a function of the stator winding and number of poles. The analytical results are verified by extensive simulations via the finite element method and experimental testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the influence of stator/rotor pole number combinations and permanent magnet (PM) numbers on electromagnetic performance of consequent-pole hybrid excited flux reversal machines (CP-HEFRMs), which have different numbers of PM poles and iron poles and concentrated AC and DC windings on the stator and a salient pole rotor. PMs in the slots of one stator pole are magnetized radially in the same direction, while opposite on adjacent stator poles. Magnetic field paths of DC, PM, and hybrid excitations are investigated. The phenomenon of flux cancellation, i.e., PM and DC MMFs in CP-HEFRMs are of opposite polarities in the flux-enhancing operating mode, is revealed and verified, for the first time, as the key feature that makes CP-HEFRMs different from other hybrid excited machines. Consequently, the saturation in stator pole and yoke can be mitigated and hence the overload capability of DC excitation is enhanced, which is verified by finite element analysis (FEA). Global optimizations are utilized to obtain the optimal rotor and stator pole number combinations and PM numbers for each stator pole. Torque, torque ripple, inductance, unbalanced magnetic force, and flux regulation capability are compared for different PM numbers and rotor pole numbers. Comparisons are made on consequent-pole and non-consequent-pole topologies in terms of torque capacity, flux regulation capability, and PM consumption to further illustrate the advantages of consequent-pole topology. A prototype machine is built and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consequent-pole (CP) permanent magnet (PM) configuration suffers asymmetric electromagnetic characteristics although it saves PM usage. The CP-based stator-PM synchronous machines are investigated in this paper, with particular reference to symmetrical issues. The electromagnetic performances of the CP-based stator-PM synchronous machines are firstly evaluated. Afterwards, the rule of even order harmonics cancellation is presented for different slot/pole number combinations and winding layouts, based on which symmetrical phase flux-linkages can be obtained although the unbalanced magnetic flux naturally occurs. Moreover, based on the three-dimensional finite element analysis, the unipolar end leakage-flux caused by the asymmetric magnetic field is identified, and the risk of the shaft magnetization is revealed. Finally, a pair of prototype machines are fabricated and measured to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetric interior permanent magnet (AIPM) rotor topologies can achieve torque enhancement in IPM synchronous machines without the increase of PM usage due to utilizing magnetic-field-shifting (MFS) effect by reducing the current angle difference between maximum PM and reluctance torque components. This paper investigates the influence of armature reaction on MFS effect in AIPM machines. A general model of IPM machines considering MFS effect is analytically developed and the AIPM and IPM machines using the same stator, rotor diameter and total PM amount are comparatively studied. It shows that the armature reaction affects the MFS effect in both AIPM and IPM machines and the influence is more significant in AIPM machine. The relationships between MFS effects in PM flux-linkage and inductance characteristics and current angles for maximum PM and reluctance torque components are revealed. It confirms that the change of current angles of torque components is due to the MFS effect in PM flux-linkage and inductance characteristics in both AIPM and IPM machines. Besides, the developed machine model considering MFS effect is verified by finite element analysis. Finally, a small-scale AIPM machine prototype is fabricated and measured to validate the finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear permanent magnet Vernier machines (LPMVMs) is an attractive solution for stroke and direct-drive applications. Several LPMVM topologies have been presented for different applications that operate based on magnetic flux modulation. LPMVMs have some advantages including high force, and torque density at low speeds. This paper introduces a double-excited linear Vernier machine for wave energy conversion. To model the machine, finite element analysis and nonlinear equivalent network model are used. To improve the accuracy of the model and compact the network, a new meshing method is proposed. For better continuity in the output waveforms of the machine, special positioning is utilized. The end-effect is modeled using two separate networks. Finally, the modeling and simulation results are compared with each other and validated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to comprehensively analyze the influence of number of permanent magnet (PM) pieces on electromagnetic performance of flux reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machines. First, the unified analytical model of FRPM machines having different numbers of PM pieces is established, from which the optimal number of PM pieces and the corresponding rotor pole number can be identified. It shows that by employing the optimal number of PM pieces instead of the conventional two on each stator tooth, additional back-EMF component can be generated which is beneficial to boost the machine performance. Then, the influence of critical design parameters including stator slot opening ratio, split ratio, and stator slot number is investigated, providing a guidance to the design of FRPM machines aiming at maximum output torque. In addition, both finite element analyses and experimental tests are conducted to verify the analytical analyses. For 6-slot-stator FRPM machines, experimental results show that more than 40% higher output torque can be achieved in the machine with optimal number of PM pieces when compared to the conventional one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper formulates the difference in base frequency and maximum torque between distributed and concentrated windings taking into account the air-gap modulation of concentrated-winding permanent magnet (PM) motors. The design superiority is typically confirmed for each winding type during a development period by using time-consuming finite element analysis (FEA). We propose a quantification that enables motor designers to easily judge, at the initial design stage, a superior winding type and to shorten a design period. Throughout our formulation, we found that the distributed-winding PM motors, in principle, have larger q-axis inductance and smaller d-axis inductance than the concentrated-winding motors, which leads to a decrease in the base frequency. On the other hand, the distributed winding inherently has higher winding factor and needs shorter stack length of core than the concentrated winding for identical torque output, which results in an increase in the base frequency. And also, we theoretically quantified the difference in reluctance-torque contribution between the two winding types and found that it was too small to have much impact on practical design. We applied the proposed formulae to a 0.2-kW concentrated-winding Nd-Fe-B magnet motor and were able to quantify the base frequency, the maximum torque, and the minimum stack length of core for a distributed-winding motor with high accuracy without having to rely on FEA. The FEA and measurement results demonstrated the validity of the proposed approach for the fabricated distributed-winding PM motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel asymmetric interior permanent magnet (AIPM) machine is proposed in this paper for electric vehicle application. It has a skewed V-shape permanent magnet (PM) cavity, two PMs with different dimensions and an additional flux barrier outside the V-shape cavity in each pole. This asymmetric rotor topology can inherently utilize the magnetic-field-shifting (MFS) effect to reduce the current angle difference between the maximum PM and reluctance torque components, thereby enhancing the maximum synthetic torque with the same PM usage. The influences of cavity positions in the proposed AIPM and an existing AIPM with extra flux barrier inside the V-shape cavity are investigated and compared using finite element analysis. It is found that the proposed structure with outside flux barrier has higher average torque than the one with inside flux barrier. Both AIPM topologies are designed with the same stator, rotor diameter, and PM usage as the conventional V-shape IPM benchmark for Prius 2010. Electromagnetic, mechanical and steady-state thermal performance of three machines are compared. The results confirm that the proposed AIPM machine can achieve significant torque enhancement due to utilizing MFS effect, compared with the existing AIPM and the IPM benchmark. Finally, a small prototype of the proposed AIPM machine is designed, manufactured and tested to validate the FE analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic design of a 1.12-MW, 18 000-r/min high-speed permanent-magnet motor (HSPMM) is carried out based on the analysis of pole number, stator slot number, rotor outer diameter, air-gap length, permanent magnet material, thickness, and pole arc. The no-load and full-load performance of the HSPMM is investigated in this paper by using 2-D finite element method (FEM). In addition, the power losses in the HSPMM including core loss, winding loss, rotor eddy current loss, and air friction loss are predicted. Based on the analysis, a prototype motor is manufactured and experimentally tested to verify the machine design. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a new four-phase flux-reversal dc-field (FRDC) machine for the wind power generation applications. The key distinction of the proposed generator is to artfully design its stator pole and winding arrangement in a way imitating the permanent-magnet (PM) configurations, which the profound FRPM machine has. Hence, the proposed FRDC generator can provide the bipolar flux-linkage patterns and achieve performances similar to that of the high-quality FRPM generators. The proposed generator can regulate its controllable dc-field winding to vary its flux density effectively. Thus, it can achieve the constant-output-voltage characteristics at different situations in order to extend the battery life and to protect the power grid system. Without installation of any high-cost PM materials, the proposed magnetless FRDC generator can achieve better cost-effectiveness than its PM counterparts. The key performances of the proposed wind power generator are thoughtfully analyzed by the finite-element method, while the experimental prototype is also setup for verifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel consequent-pole permanent magnet (PM) (CPM) machine featuring N-S-iron sequences. In order to enhance the output torque and efficiency, the flux barriers are employed to improve the magnetic symmetry and reduce the saturation of the stator yoke. The tangential magnetized PMs are embedded in the flux barriers to form the hybrid-pole PM (HPM) machine, which further improves the output torque and efficiency. The rotor of the proposed CPM and HPM machines, as well as its conventional counterpart which employing N-iron sequences, are optimized by finite element analysis. Furthermore, the electromagnetic performances of the proposed machines, including the open-circuit airgap flux density, back EMF, average torque, torque ripple, efficiency, flux-weakening capability, unbalanced magnetic force, and unipolar leakage flux, are compared with the conventional CPM machine. It is demonstrated that the proposed HPM machine can obtain almost equivalent torque, efficiency, and better flux-weakening capability when compared to the conventional one. Moreover, the proposed HPM machine has no unipolar leakage flux in the end region, and thus the magnetization of the mechanical components can be effectively reduced. Finally, a 9-slot/8-pole HPM machine is prototyped and measured to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model is proposed for the prediction of electromagnetic quantities of slotted flux-reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machines. Equivalent current theory is used to model the effects of permanent magnets (PMs), stator slots and rotor grooves. First, the stator slots and rotor grooves are nullified and the Poisson equation is solved in a slotless stator and cylindrical rotor machine. The effects of the stator slots and rotor grooves are then considered by injecting equivalent magnetization currents (EMCs) respectively on the stator slots wall and on the rotor groove edges. The PMs are also replaced by EMCs. Finally, the results of the proposed analytical model are verified by means of the finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new partitioned stator flux reversal permanent magnet (PM) (PS-FRPM) machine having integer-slot overlapping windings, i.e., the slot number per pole per phase q is an integer, based on the magnetic gearing effect in stator-PM machines. Compared with the existing PS-FRPM machine with fractional-slot nonoverlapping windings, a more sinusoidal armature reaction magnetomotive force can be achieved in the proposed PS-FRPM machine with integer-slot overlapping windings, resulting in lower iron loss and PM loss. Electromagnetic performance of the PS-FRPM machine, which has q = 1 overlapping windings is analyzed and compared with PS-FRPM machine, which has q = 0.5 nonoverlapping windings by finite element (FE) analysis. FE results show that the proposed 24/10/12-outer-stator/rotor/inner-stator-pole PS-FRPM machine with q = 1 overlapping winding exhibits higher fundamental phase back-electromotive force, higher average electromagnetic torque and lower torque ripple, lower loss and higher efficiency, higher self-inductance but lower mutual inductance, higher d-axis inductance, and potential infinite flux-weakening capability compared with the 12/10/12-outer-stator/rotor/inner-stator-pole PS-FRPM machine with q = 0.5 nonoverlapping windings. Both prototype machines with q = 1 overlapping winding and q = 0.5 nonoverlapping windings are built and tested to verify the FE analyzes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The structure of an axial-flux permanent-magnet (AFPM) machine necessitates the use of three-dimensional (3-D) simulation models. In particular, when possible faults occur, 2-D models cannot show the resulting unbalanced fields and forces. In this paper, some faults, such as magnet defect, static, and dynamic eccentricity in an AFPM machine, are modeled using a 3-D field reconstruction method. The proposed method reduces the high computational burden of finite-element analysis (FEA). Experimental test beds and FEA simulations are provided to validate the precision of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a novel rotor contour design for variable reluctance (VR) resolvers by injecting auxiliary air-gap permeance harmonics. Based on the resolver model with nonoverlapping tooth-coil windings, the influence of air-gap length function is first investigated by finite element (FE) method, and the detection accuracy of designs with higher values of fundamental wave factor may deteriorate due to the increasing third order of output voltage harmonics. Further, the origins of the third harmonics are investigated by analytical derivation and FE analyses of output voltages. Furthermore, it is proved that the voltage harmonics and the detection accuracy are significantly improved by injecting auxiliary air-gap permeance harmonics in the design of rotor contour. In addition, the proposed design can also be employed to eliminate voltage tooth harmonics in a conventional VR resolver topology. Finally, VR resolver prototypes with the conventional and the proposed rotors are fabricated and tested respectively to verify the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article proposes an analytical model of modular spoke-type permanent magnet (MSTPM) machines based on air-gap field modulation (AFM) theory. Firstly, a fundamental AFM model of open-circuit MSTPM machines is introduced. The open-circuit air-gap field of MSTPM machines is determined by three fundamental elements including the primitive magnetizing magnetomotive force (MMF) produced by permanent magnet (PM), and two modulators which consist of stator and rotor permeance. The analytical MMF excited by PM (PM-MMF) can be calculated by using magnetic circuit method, while the stator and rotor permeance models are developed based on relative permeance (RP) method. Thereafter, a general model is proposed to calculate the open-circuit back electromotive force (EMF) of MSTPM machines. Further, the winding inductance model is established on the basis of equivalent magnetic circuit method and RP model. Finally, the machine performance is predicted by the analytical model, and verified by both finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance motor torque performance of existing two-phase 8/10 E-Core SRM, an improved modular permanent magnet (PM)-assisted Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) structure is presented. Firstly, basic structure and operation principle of the proposed structure are introduced. To further evaluate performance improvement, effects of various parameters on the design such as inductance, flux-linkage, average torque and cogging torque are compressively investigated by finite element method (FEM) software subsequently. In the meantime, comparisons with other two-phase SRM structures are also performed including average torque, torque/PM volume, torque/ motor volume, torque/current, etc. Finally, a prototype is fabricated, and simulation and experimental results verify that the proposed design has high torque performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the total demagnetization fault in Axial Flux Permanent Magnet (AFPM) synchronous generator, suitable for wind power applications, using the three-dimensional Finite Element Method (3D-FEM). The machine, in which the demagnetization diagnosis has been investigated, consists of one coreless stator with concentrating winding, embed in resin and two rotors. In the current study, faulty cases of different number and relative position of total demagnetized magnets are studied. Finally, simulation results are compared to experimental results for validation. The stator current spectrum is studied as fault identification mean and it is shown that the fault signatures depend on the number of total demagnetized magnets, the relative position of the magnets on the rotor and the stator winding topology. In addition, there is an investigation of the partial demagnetization fault for comparison purposes. Moreover, analytical expressions for the magnetic flux density in the healthy case and in every faulty case are exported. These novel expressions, related to every demagnetized case, are presented for the first time in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The split ratio, defined as the outer radius ratio of the magnet to stator, has been investigated and optimized in surface-mounted permanent magnet (PM) machines having conventional/novel pieced Halbach magnet array. The air-gap magnetic field in PM machine with novel pieced Halbach magnet has been analytically obtained. The influences of split ratio and magnet arc length ratio on the torque density have been separately and analytically investigated for the machines with conventional pieced Halbach magnet array. In order to achieve the maximal torque density in the conventional pieced Halbach magnetized machines, the optimum split ratio and/or pole arc ratio have been obtained. In addition, the influences of one or both of the split ratio and magnetization angle on the torque density have been analytically investigated for the machines with novel pieced Halbach magnet array. In order to achieve the maximal torque density in the novel pieced Halbach magnetized machines, the optimum split ratio and/or magnetization angle have been determined. Finally, the linear analytical predictions have been compared with linear and nonlinear finite element analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid excited (HE) machines have the synergies of high torque density and high efficiency of permanent magnet (PM) machines and excellent flux controllability of wound-field machines. The PMs and field coils (FCs) coexist in HE machines to provide excitations simultaneously, and can be coupled either in series or parallel. The topologies of HE machines are very diverse, which bring challenges in the selection and design of HE machines. Based on the partitioned stator (PS) platform, a pair of series and parallel HE machines having similar structures and PM usage are evaluated and compared to identify their merits and demerits. With the help of finite element analysis, the flux regulation, energy conversion capability, parasitic effects and irreversible demagnetization of the two kinds of the HE machines are comprehensively investigated and the guidance to the machine design is provided. A pair of prototypes are fabricated and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a novel structure of consequent pole dual rotor permanent magnet vernier machine (CPDRVM). This structure consists of dual-sided stator in which windings are placed on the stator slots and magnets placed on the inner and outer rotor slots. Operation principles of the proposed VM carried out using flux modulation theory. The Finite Element analysis is utilized in order to evaluate the effect of magnet geometry on the produced torque and power factor. The motor characteristics and performance assessment are performed numerically. Furthermore, the parametric and sensitivity analysis are used to optimize the motor geometry. The proposed VM compared with PM machine and two conventional VMs. In this regard, performance indices such as flux, cogging torque, power factor, magnet volume, torque per magnet volume, Back-EMF, losses and efficiency profiles are calculated and compared. Results evidence better performance of the proposed structure. In fact, CPDRVM could produce higher torque density than conventional VMs. In addition, high power factor is reached for suggested topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fractional slot non-overlapping winding (FSNW) hybrid excited (HE) machine with consequent-pole permanent magnet (PM) rotor is proposed in this article. The abundant harmonics in the stator magnetomotive force (MMF) of FSNW, which are harmful and tend to cause parasitic effects in conventional PM machines, are utilized to regulate the magnetic field and produce torque through field modulation. The DC excitation current can be injected by open-winding drive circuit and a biased current excited HE machine without field winding can be achieved, which solves the spatial confliction of field and armature windings. The electromagnetic performances of the proposed HE machine are evaluated with finite element method (FEM). It is revealed that the DC excitation can effectively regulate the magnetic field, and consequently, the back-EMF as well as electromagnetic torque. Finally, a prototype is fabricated and tested to validate the theoretical analyses and FE calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with designing rotor disks of a double-sided axial flux permanent magnet machine, based on their deflection, due to the pull forces between opposite rotor disks, caused by the permanent magnets. Permanent magnets cause the magnetic flux density to flow between the permanent magnets on opposite rotor disks and its size determines the size of the pull force. That is why it is essential to determine the size of the axial component of magnetic flux density in the middle of the clearance between opposite rotor disks (fictitious air gap) in order to calculate the deflection of the rotor disks. The article presents a new method for determining the size of the axial component of magnetic flux density, based on a simplified finite element method and an approximation method as well as modified equations for determining the deflection of rotor disks. The method is used to determine the pull forces between rotor disks and based on the deflection of the disks an optimum rotor disk thickness can be selected in order to reduce the weight of the machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractional slot concentrated winding (FSCW) permanent magnet (PM) motors are becoming an attractive solution in low-speed applications due to their superior advantages. A new topology of FSCW motor is introduced in this article, which consist of single stator and two PM rotors with different and opposite direction rated speed. The stator torque reaction is reduced significantly due to the opposite rotational direction of rotors. Some performance characteristics of proposed topology are investigated by designing and manufacturing a 0.5 kW prototype motor. The back-emf voltages, torque reaction, torque ripple and core losses are obtained via finite elements method (FEM) and are compared with two conventional FSCW motors. The prototypes of case-studied motors are tested experimentally in order to validate the advantages of proposed motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]