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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel type of switched flux PM machines with two separate stators. Design/methodology/approach – 2D-FEA is employed to analyze the electromagnetic performance of the proposed machines. Moreover, the results are validated by experiments. Findings – The proposed machine has higher torque density, less unbalanced magnetic force on the modulating steel piece and uses less PM volume. Originality/value – The proposed machine is a low-cost novel topology with different rotor pole combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Due to high electromagnetic torque at low speed, vernier machines are suitable for direct-drive applications such as electric vehicles and wind power generators. The purpose of this paper is to present an exact sub-domain model for analytically predicting the open-circuit magnetic field of permanent magnet vernier machine (PMVM) including tooth tips. The entire field domain is divided into five regions, viz. magnets, air gap, slot openings, slots, and flux-modulation pole slots (FMPs). The model accounts for the influence of interaction between PMs, FMPs and slots, and radial/parallel magnetization. Design/methodology/approach – Magnetic field distributions for slot and air-gap, flux linkage, back-EMF and cogging torque waveforms are obtained from the analytical method and validated by finite element analysis (FEA). Findings – It is found that the developed sub-domain model including tooth tips is very accurate and is applicable to PMVM having any combination of slots/FMPs/PMs. Originality/value – The main contributions include: accurate sub-domain model for PMVM is proposed for open-circuit including tooth-tip which cannot be accounted for in literature; the model accounts the interaction between flux modulation pole (FMP) and slot; developed sub-domain model is accurate and applicable to any slot/FMP/PM combinations; and it has investigated the influence of FMP/slot opening width/height on cogging torque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The paper purposes a novel SFPM machine topology with radial and circumferential permanent magnets (PMs). The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – In order to reduce the flux leakage in the stator-outer region and consequently achieve higher magnetic material utilization in switched flux permanent magnet (SFPM) machine, a novel topology with radial and circumferential PMs is proposed. This topology (SFRCPM) has the same structure as conventional SFPM (CSFPM) machine except of the additional set of radially magnetized PMs located around the back iron and surrounded by a laminated ring frame. Using finite element analysis (FEA) the influence of the design parameters on the performance is investigated in order to obtain an effective optimization procedure. Internal and external rotor SFRCPM machines with either NdFeB or ferrite magnets are investigated, optimized and compared with the CSFPM machine having the same size, copper loss and stator/rotor pole combination. Findings – It is concluded that comparing SFRCPM with its CSFPM machine counterpart, internal rotor SFRCPM machine can achieve high PM flux-linkage per magnet volume, however reduced slot area leads to low output torque, whereas external rotor SFRCPM machine can produce higher torque and torque per magnet volume. Originality/value – This paper proposes a novel SFPM machine topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – An analytical sub-domain model is developed for predicting the armature magnetic field in permanent magnet vernier machine (PMVM) which has either non-overlapping or overlapping windings. The developed model accounts for tooth-tips and flux modulation pole slots (FMPs). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – It is obtained by solving Poisson’s and Laplace’s equations in polar coordinates for each sub-domain, i.e. air gap, slots, slot openings at tooth-tips and FMP slots. Armature reaction field distributions in slots, slot openings FMPs, air-gap and magnet region and winding inductances are obtained from the analytical method and compared by finite element analysis. Findings – It is found that the developed model can be employed to accurately predict the armature field and winding inductance for any combination of slots/FMPs/permanent magnets. In addition, it is observed that the winding inductance is high which results in significant armature reaction and poor power factor in PMVM. Originality/value – The main contributions include: first, accurate sub-domain model for PMVM is proposed for armature reaction which is not addressed in literature; second, the model accounts the interaction between FMP and slot; and finally, developed sub-domain model is also used for inductance calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose the design concepts of external rotor switched flux hybrid magnet memory machine (SFHMMM) to further increase the torque capability while keeping the merits of internal rotor SFHMMM, such as adjustable back-EMF, and good flux weakening performance, etc. Design/methodology/approach – The torque enhancing principle of external rotor SFHMMM, and the design considerations such as feasible stator and rotor pole numbers (Ns/Nr ) are discussed by equations. Then, the performances such as back-EMF, dq-axis inductances, torque and flux weakening performances are calculated and compared with the aid of finite element analysis software. Findings – The external rotor SFHMMMs have obviously larger torque capabilities compared with the internal rotor ones under the same copper loss and machine size. The main reason is that the external SFHMMs could fully utilize the inner space of stator, which offers higher slot area, larger split ratio and consequently the higher average torque. For the external rotor machines with larger rotor pole number Nr , the back-EMF adjust ratio as well as the maxim torque are better. However, leakage flux and losses also increase with Nr due to limited machine size and higher operation frequency. Considering torque capability and flux weakening performance (efficiency map), the external SFHMMM with Nr =2Ns +1, e.g. 6/13 Ns/Nr stator/rotor pole machine, is the optimal choice. Originality/value – This paper introduces the design concept and design considerations of external SFHMMM for the first time. The proposed machine could be a competent candidate for direct-drive electric vehicle applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to comparatively study the conventional, i.e. single magnet, and novel hybrid-magnet switched-flux permanent-magnet (HMSFPM) machines. Design/methodology/approach – The HMSFPM machines utilize two magnet types, i.e. low-cost ferrites and NdFeB. Thus, a set of magnet ratios (?), defined as the quotient of the NdFeB volume to the total PM volume, is introduced. This allows any desired performance and cost trade-off to be designed. Series- and parallel-excited magnet configurations are investigated using 2-dimensional finite element analysis. Findings – The torque of the HMSFPM machines is lower than the NdFeB SFPM machine but the flux-weakening performance is improved for similar machine efficiency. If the machine dimensions are unconstrained, the HMSFPM machines can have the same torque for reduced material costs and a moderate increase in machine dimensions. Ferrite SFPM machines have the lowest cost for the same torque but a significant increase in machine dimensions is required. Finally, the series-excited HMSFPM machine is the preferred over the parallel-excited HMSFPM machine because it has superior demagnetization withstand capability. Research limitations/implications – Mechanical and winding eddy current losses are not considered in the efficiency map calculations. Originality/value – The NdFeB SFPM, ferrite SFPM, series-excited HMSFPM, and the parallel-excited HMSFPM machines are compared for their electromagnetic performance, flux-weakening, PM demagnetization, efficiency, and material costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare the influence of end-effect on the torque-speed characteristics of three conventional switched flux permanent magnet (SFPM) machines having different stator/rotor pole combinations, i.e. 12/10, 12/13 and 12/14 as well as three novel topologies with less permanent magnets (PMs), i.e. multi-tooth, E-core and C-core. Design/methodology/approach – SFPM machines combine the advantages of simple and robust rotor and easy management of the temperature due to the location of the PMs and armature windings on the stator. However, due to spoke location of the PMs a large flux leakage in the end region, i.e. end-effect, can be observed which could result in a large reduction in the electromagnetic performance. Therefore, the influence of end-effect on the torque-speed characteristics is investigated. 3D-finite element analyses (FEA) results are compared with their 2D-FEA counterparts in order to account for the end-effect influence. Findings – It has been concluded that due to end flux leakage, lower torque capability in the constant torque region is observed in the six machines. However, improved flux-weakening capability in the conventional machines can be exhibited at high current levels, whereas due to the large inductance lower power capability in the multi-tooth, E-core and C-core machines is obtained. Research limitations/implications – The influence of temperature rise on the performance is not included. Originality/value – This paper has analysed the influence of end-effect on the torque-speed characteristics of several SFPM machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to minimize the optimization parameter number of synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM) and permanent magnet (PM) assisted SynRM, and compare their relative merits with interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine for electric vehicle applications, in terms of electromagnetic performance and material cost. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis of electromagnetic performance is based on finite element analysis, by using software MAXWELL. The genetic algorithm is utilized for optimization. Findings – The rotor design of SynRM can be significantly simplified by imposing some reasonable conditions. The number of rotor design parameters can be reduced to three. The electromagnetic performance of SynRM is much poorer than that of IPM, although the material cost is much cheaper, approximately one-third of IPM. The ferrite-SynRM is competitive and even better than IPM especially for high electric loading, in terms of torque capability, torque-speed characteristic, power factor, threshold speed and efficiency. In addition, ferrite-assisted SynRM has great advantage over IPM in material cost, 55 percent cheaper. The performance of NdFeB-assisted SynRM is close to IPM in terms of torque capability, torque-speed characteristic, power factor, torque ripple and efficiency. The material cost of NdFeB-assisted SynRM is ∼25 percent lower than IPM. Originality/value – Some conditions, which can simplify the optimization of SynRM rotor, are discussed. The electromagnetic performances and material costs of SynRM, ferrite-assisted, NdFeB-assisted SynRMs and IPM are quantitatively compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to make a quantitative comparison between induction machine (IM) and interior permanent magnet machine (IPM) for electric vehicle applications, in terms of electromagnetic performance and material cost. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis of IM is based on an analytical method, which has been validated by test. The analysis of IPM is based on finite element analysis. The popular Toyota Prius 2010 IPM is adopted directly, and the IM is designed with the same stator outer diameter and stack length as Prius 2010 IPM for a fair comparison. Findings – The torque capability of IM is lower than IPM for low electric loading and competitive to IPM for high electric loading. The maximum torque/power-speed characteristic of IM is competitive to IPM; while the rated torque/power-speed characteristic of IM is poorer than IPM. The power factor of IM is competitive and even better than IPM for high electric loading in low-speed region. The torque ripple of IM is comparable to IPM for high electric loading and much lower than IPM for low electric loading. The overall efficiency of IM is lower than IPM, and the maximum efficiency of copper squirrel cage IM is approximately 2-3 percent lower than IPM. The material cost of IM is about half of IPM when IM and IPM are designed with the same stator outer diameter and stack length. Originality/value – The electromagnetic performances and material costs of IM and IPM are quantitatively compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In this paper, the partitioned stator flux reversal permanent magnet (PM) (PS-FRPM) machines with Halbach array PMs are investigated to compare with the machine having the conventional parallel magnetized PMs, and conventional FRPM machine. This paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The Halbach array PM machines with 2-, 3-, and 4-segment and ideal Halbach array PMs have similar topology and designed based on the PS-FRPM with parallel magnetized PMs. The open circuit analysis and electromagnetic performance has been calculated and compares with the aid of finite element (FE) method, and validated by experiments. Findings – The PS-FRPMs with Halbach array PMs have higher back-EMF and torque performance, as well as lower cogging torque and torque ripple, all having significantly higher torque density than the FRPM machine with single stator. The experimental results and FE predicted results of the 2-segment Halbach PM prototype machine are compared and good agreement is achieved. Originality/value – This paper introduces the new concept and design of PS-FRPMs having Halbach array PMs with different PM segments and idea PM array. The comparison with conventional FRPM and PS-FRPM with parallel magnetized PMs shows the benefits with PS-FRPMs with Halbach array PMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of back-EMF and current harmonics on position and speed estimation accuracy for single and dual three-phase (DTP) permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with two fundamental-model-based sensorless control strategies which are widely utilized for AC machines, i.e. flux-linkage observer (FO) and simplified extended Kalman filter (EKF). Design/methodology/approach – The effect of distorted back-EMF is studied for sensorless vector control of single three-phase PMSM. For the influence of current harmonics, unlike the existing literature where the current harmonics are deliberately injected, in this paper, sensorless switching-table-based direct torque control (ST-DTC) strategies for DTP-PMSM which inherently suffer from non-sinusoidal stator currents in addition to the distorted back-EMF, are investigated experimentally. Findings – By employing the FO and simplified EKF-based sensorless vector control of single three-phase PMSM, it can be concluded that the rotor position estimation accuracy is less affected by the back-EMF harmonics when the simplified EKF method is utilized since it is less sensitive to such noises. When the influence of non-sinusoidal stator currents together with back-EMF harmonics is investigated for the conventional and modified ST-DTC of DTP-PMSM, it is indicated that the simplified EKF exhibits better position and speed estimation accuracy in both the conventional and modified ST-DTC strategies. In addition, its steady-state performance shows a slight superiority over that based on FO, in terms of flux and torque ripples, and THD of phase currents. For the dynamic performance, the estimated speed of simplified EKF shows less phase lag and fluctuations compared to that of FO. Originality/value – This paper introduces the influence of back-EMF and current harmonics on sensorless control performance for single and DTP PMSMs. Detailed experimental results show that the simplified EKF exhibits better rotor position and speed estimation accuracy compared to that of FO due to its higher noise-rejection ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Due to linear structure, linear switched flux permanent magnet machines (LSFPMMs) also may have odd pole primary, such as 9, 15, 21, etc., without unbalanced magnetic force in equivalent rotary machines. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In order to increase the thrust force density, the influence of some major design parameters, including split ratio, PM thickness, primary slot width and secondary pole width, are investigated by finite element analysis. For reducing the thrust force ripple under on-load condition, the end auxiliary teeth are adopted and their positions are also optimized. Findings – This novel 9/10 primary/secondary poles LSFPMM has high average thrust force and low thrust force ripple by optimization. The results demonstrate that the odd pole primary may be a good candidate for long-stroke linear direct drive application. Originality/value – A novel 9/10 primary/secondary poles linear switched flux permanent magnet machine is developed in this paper. The similar conclusions could be obtained for other LSFPMMs with odd pole primary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of stator and rotor pole number combinations together with the flux-barrier layers number on the performance of synchronous reluctance machine with emphasis on output torque capability and torque ripple. Design/methodology/approach - AC synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM) or permanent magnet assisted SynRM presently receives a great deal of interest, since there is less or even no rare-earth permanent magnet in the rotor. Most of SynRM machines employ a stator that is originally designed for a standard squirrel cage induction motor for a similar output rating and application, or the SynRM machine with 24-slot, four-pole are often directly chosen for investigation in most of the available literature. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the influence of stator and rotor pole number combinations together with the flux-barrier layers number on the performance of SynRM machine with emphasis on output torque capability and torque ripple. Findings - The average torque decreases with the increase of the pole numbers but remain almost constant when employing different stator slot numbers but with the same pole number. In addition, the torque ripple decreases significantly with the increase of the stator slot number. The machine with double-layer flux-barrier in the rotor has the biggest average torque, while the machines with three- and four-layer flux-barrier in the rotor have almost the same average torque but their value is slightly smaller than that of machine with double-layer flux-barrier. However, the machine with three-layer flux-barrier has the lowest torque ripple but the highest torque ripple exists in the machine with double-layer flux-barrier. Research limitations/implications - The purely sinusoidal currents are applied in this analysis and the effects of harmonics in the current on torque ripple are not considered in this application. Originality/value - This paper has analyzed the torque ripple and average torque of SynRMs with considering slot/pole number combinations together with the flux-barrier number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate torque ripple and magnetic force on the teeth in interior permanent magnet (IPM) machines over a wide range of speed operation for electrical power steering (EPS) applications. Design/methodology/approach – The flux-weakening capability of IPM machines has been analysed by finite element method considering the effect of cross-coupling between d- and q-axis current. The traditional method of analysing torque ripple is based on constant torque and flux-weakening region. However, the cross-coupling need to be considered when applying this technique to flux-weakening region. Meanwhile, the torque ripple with current amplitude and angle and with different speed in the flux-weakening region is also investigated. In addition, the magnetic force on the teeth due to the separated teeth with stator yoke is also investigated during the constant torque and flux-weakening region. Findings – The torque ripple and magnetic force on teeth in IPM machine are dependent on current and current angle. Both the lowest torque ripple and magnetic force on teeth exist over the whole torque-speed region. Research limitations/implications – The purely sinusoidal currents are applied in this analysis and the effects of harmonics in the current on torque ripple and magnetic force on teeth are not considered in this application. The 12-slot/10-pole IPM machine has been employed in this analysis, but this work can be continued to investigate different slot/pole number combinations. Originality/value – This paper has analysed the torque ripple and magnetic force on the teeth in IPM machines for EPS application over a wide range of operation speed, which are the main cause of vibration and acoustic noise. The variation of torque ripple with current amplitude and angle as well as speed in the flux-weakening region is also investigated. In addition, the magnetic force on the teeth is also investigated over the whole torque-speed region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]