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In this article, a new dual-permanent magnet spoke-type flux-reversal machine (dual-PM SFRM) for direct-drive applications is proposed. Tangentially magnetized permanent magnets (PMs) sandwiched with iron poles are set in stator slots. To increase the torque density within the geometric restrictions, PMs are introduced in the rotor as well and magnetized radially to form a consequent-pole rotor. Global optimizations are conducted and comparisons are made on torque, torque ripple, and torque/PM volume with the existing single-PM SFRM. It is found that the proposed dual-PM SFRM can produce 22.6% larger torque with an optimal PM volume and a 17.5% larger torque with the same PM volume compared with the single-PM counterpart. Moreover, major magnetic field space harmonics are derived analytically and verified by finite-element analysis (FEA) and the torque components produced by the working harmonics are calculated and compared in terms of different stator/rotor pole number combinations. Comparisons are made on back electromotive force, cogging torque, torque performance, and efficiency between dual-PM SFRM and conventional flux-reversal machine. The influence of different stator configurations, i.e., the slot opening, the iron bridge, and the unequal tooth, on torque performance in the proposed dual-PM SFRM has been studied and highlighted. A prototype has been built and tested to validate the FEA calculations. [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]

In this paper, a high-speed permanent magnet (HSPM) motor having 6-slot/2-pole (6s/2p) number combination and 2 coil-pitch windings are developed for domestic appliance application. Two HSPM motors with different layouts of 2 coil-pitch windings are optimized and their electromagnetic performances are evaluated. The best winding configuration is then identified for shorter motor axial length and larger torque density. Since 3-slot/2-pole (3s/2p) HSPM motors with non-overlapping windings have the same winding factor, a comparison between 3-slot and 6-slot motors is also conducted, particularly for torque density, losses, and unbalanced magnetic force (UMF). It shows that 6s/2p PM motors with 2 coil-pitch windings are suitable for high-speed application without UMF and less rotor PM loss. Finite element predicted electromagnetic performances are validated by experiments made on two prototype motors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consequent-pole (CP) permanent magnet (PM) machines have attracted considerable interest as a means of reducing machine cost through a marked reduction in the volume of PM required to meet a particular torque specification. However, the presence of a large torque ripple that can result from the CPPM structure can hinder their adoption in some applications, especially for the dominant third-order torque ripple. Although several design-specific modifications have been proposed to ameliorate torque ripple, the generalized principles underpinning this behavior have not been fully established. In this article, it will be illustrated that an aggregation of the fluctuations in inductance, back electromotive force, and cogging torque contributes to increased torque ripple. Meanwhile, an asymmetric pole shaping method is proposed to reduce the torque ripple, taking the dominant third-order torque ripple as an example. Both simulated and experimental results of the 12-slot/8-pole prototypes show that compared to the symmetrical pole shaping model and the plain pole model, the proposed asymmetric shaping method is effective in reducing torque ripple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consequent pole (CP) permanent magnet (PM) machines offer scope for reducing the quantity of PM material and hence cost compared to more conventional PM machine topologies of the same rating. In this type of machine, the rotor pole arc is usually optimized to realize the largest output torque with pole shaping methods used to reduce torque ripple. However, such approaches tend to be limited by constraints imposed on the pole shapes. It is a common practice to adopt similar PM and iron pole shapes, an approach that does not fully account for the different characteristics of PM and iron poles in CPPM machines, often leading to large even order harmonics in the airgap flux density. This article proposes a shaping method with a variable rotor profile and pole arc span being established by means of optimization by Genetic Algorithm. It is demonstrated that for a fixed quantity of PM material, different PM and iron pole shapes in combination with optimal PM and iron pole arc spans are essential for ensuring both maximum output torque and lower torque ripple when the due account is taken of flux leakage. It also demonstrates that since the flux density in the region under a PM pole is governed by the magnetic potential produced by magnets while it is governed by magnetic reluctance under iron pole, different PM pole and iron pole shapes are necessary to reduce the even-order harmonics in a CPPM machine and consequently to reduce torque ripple. The performances of optimized and more conventional CP machines are compared by finite-element method on 12-slot/8-pole prototype motors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an online rotor position error correction method is proposed to eliminate the impact of parameter mismatch in sensorless control for dual three-phase (DTP) permanent magnet synchronous machines drives. The rotor position error production mechanism is first derived and shows that the error changes with the trend of current variation when there is a parameter mismatch. Based on this mechanism, by injecting sinusoidal current signals with low frequency and small amplitude into both sets of three-phase windings, the presence of parameter mismatch and its level can be revealed from the corresponding sinusoidal responses of the estimated speed of sensorless observers, which do not depend on the inertia of the machine. Since the amplitudes of these responses decrease as the parameter mismatch level reduces, with the help of the least mean square algorithm, the parameters can be adaptively adjusted to the actual values, and the position error can be thus corrected. Moreover, with the extra freedom of DTP machines, the detrimental effects on torque production due to current signal injections can be eliminated through adjusting the phase between the two injected signals. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been validated through simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes and investigates two asymmetric consequent-pole hybrid excited flux reversal machine (AS-CP-HEFRM) topologies, which have same numbers of iron poles and permanent magnets (PMs) with concentrated ac and dc windings on each stator pole and a salient pole rotor. If PM number on one stator pole is larger than 1, PMs are magnetized radially in the same direction on one stator pole, while opposite on adjacent stator poles. The phenomenon of the phase shift between the flux linkages of dc and PM excitations in the AS-CP-HEFRMs is revealed for the first time, which will weaken the regulation of dc excitation field to PM produced field. The elimination condition of the phase shift is derived and verified by finite-element analysis in this article, which can be considered as design guidelines in AS-CP-HEFRMs. Airgap magnetic field space harmonics of AS-CP-HEFRM are also investigated and verified by finite-element analyses. Meanwhile, the relationship between the rotor pole number and the stator pole arc (PM ratio) is derived and verified by global optimization based on genetic algorithm for maximum average torque. The influence of stator/rotor pole number combinations is also studied and compared in terms of torque, torque ripple, and flux regulation capability. The torque components produced by airgap magnetic field space harmonics are calculated and compared. A prototype has been built and tested to validate the finite element calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a novel asymmetric interior permanent magnet (AIPM) rotor topology that has a mixed V-shape and spoke-type PM configuration, designated as a 1.5-layer PM structure, and asymmetric arrangement of V-shape PMs and asymmetric flux barriers. The AIPM rotor topology is employed for IPM synchronous machines to utilize the magnetic-field-shifting (MFS) effect for increasing average torque by reducing the current angle difference between peak PM and reluctance torque components. Three machines, i.e., the proposed 1.5-layer AIPM, a symmetrical 1.5-layer IPM-I, and a conventional V-shape benchmark IPM-II are designed and optimized using the same stator, rotor diameter, and total PM usage by global parametric optimization considering the mechanical stress. The effect of asymmetric features of the 1.5-layer AIPM rotor design, i.e., asymmetry of V-shape cavity as well as position and dimensions of flux barrier, on maximum torque and open-circuit air-gap field are investigated. The electromagnetic performances of three machines are compared. It confirms that the proposed AIPM machine has the highest maximum torque and the smallest cogging torque simultaneously. It is also revealed that the torque enhancement is achieved by both the 1.5-layer structure and MFS effect. Finally, a prototype of an AIPM machine is manufactured and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a novel asymmetric interior permanent magnet (AIPM) rotor topology for torque enhancement and torque ripple reduction in IPM synchronous machines. The AIPM rotor structure is featured by a hybrid-layer permanent magnet configuration, i.e., for each pole, a part of PM configuration has one-layer while the other part has two layers. It allows the magnetic-field-shifting (MFS) effect to be utilized by reducing the current angle difference between maximum PM and reluctance torque components, thereby effectively increasing the maximum resultant torque. The proposed AIPM machine and a conventional V-shape IPM machine are designed and globally parametric optimized with the same 24-slot/4-pole stator, rotor diameter, and PM usage. The influence of key rotor geometric parameters of the AIPM machine on torque and open-circuit air-gap magnetic field characteristics are investigated. The comparison of electromagnetic performance confirms that significant torque enhancement and torque ripple reduction in the AIPM machine compared with the conventional V-shape IPM machine and reveals the MFS effect is essential for torque increase. Finally, an AIPM machine is manufactured and tested for validation. [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]

Spoke array permanent magnet (PM) flux reversal machines (SAFRPMMs), which are suitable for low speed and high torque applications, are able to enhance torque density due to the flux focusing effect. In this paper, what influence both the number of PM per slot and the PM shape have on their electromagnetic performance are investigated. The results show that both the PM number and the PM shape have significant effects on the performance of SAFRPMMs, and proper selections are critical in designing high performance machines. When the PM number per slot is 2, the SAFRPMM exhibits the best electromagnetic performances, i.e., the highest torque, power, efficiency, and power factor. Meanwhile, by properly designing the PM shape, the torque can be further improved by around 11%. A prototype is made and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current harmonics are ubiquitous in dual three phase (DTP) permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) drives. Due to back electromotive force (EMF) distortion, significant current harmonics are generated in the DTP-PMSM system. The influence of back EMF harmonics is investigated in this paper and a novel switching-table-based direct torque control method to compensate the selected current harmonics caused by the back EMF harmonics is proposed. It shows that by employing different optimal action time durations for voltage vectors in the z1z2 subspace and setting the synthetic voltage vectors to non-zero, the stator flux harmonics caused by the back EMF harmonics can be selectively compensated, as verified by experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a new type of consequent pole flux reversal permanent magnet (CFRPM) machine, which features more iron poles than PM poles under one stator tooth, is proposed to improve the torque density. The proposed CFRPM machine with 6 slots and 16 poles (6S16P) is compared with a 12S16P FRPM machine and its consequent pole type, as well as a conventional 6S4P surface-mounted PM (SPM) machine. The proposed 6S16P CFRPM shows the highest torque among the four machines, together with the highest torque per PM volume. For a fair comparison with the 12S16P FRPM machine and its consequent pole type, the torque ripple of the proposed 6S16P CFRPM is suppressed by using two-step skewed rotor. After employing 4° two-step skewed rotor, while exhibits comparable torque ripple, the proposed 6S16P CFRPM still has 43% and 22% higher torque compared with the 12S16P FRPM machine and its consequent pole type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, various fundamental model based sensorless control methods have been proposed. However, most of them are developed under a healthy condition. Hence, in this article, fundamental model based sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) under rotor eccentricity (RE) is investigated which is a common issue in many drive systems. It is known that under RE, three-phase back-EMFs, flux-linkages, inductances, and torque will be influenced. Mathematical derivation reveals that these effects will cause undesired harmonics in the position estimation. Since the frequencies of these low-order harmonics are much smaller than the bandwidth of position observer such as phase-locked loop, it is difficult to effectively eliminate them. Hence, the conventional back-EMF method is modified by adding an adaptive notch filter to suppress these undesired harmonics. Furthermore, the RE effects on PMSM characteristics are examined by measurements. The modified position estimator is implemented on a dSPACE platform and is verified by experiment results. [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]

In order to provide the general guidance in constructing the novel modular machines with redundant teeth, the available slot and pole number combinations based on the balanced conditions are summarized in this article. After the brief review of the machine structure, the general slot and pole number combinations are listed: Firstly, the conventional modular machines used to construct the proposed modular machines need to possess integer times of 3 repetitive machine units. Each machine unit should construct as a 3-phase type. Then, a redundant machine unit providing the redundant teeth for modularity is necessary. This redundant machine only has one pole pair to make sure the space waste is minimal. The slot number of this redundant machine is determined by the greatest common divisor of the slot and pole pair numbers of the conventional modular machine. Finally, the combination of the conventional modular machine and the redundant one generates the proposed modular machine. In order to clearly illustrate the influence of slot and pole number combinations on machine performance, four combinations are chosen as examples to be compared. A 42-slot/32-pole machine is prototyped and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, spoke array permanent magnet (PM) flux reversal machines (SAPM FRM), which feature spoke array PMs distributed along the stator inner surface, are proposed to improve the torque density. Compared with the conventional surface mounted PM flux reversal machine (SPM FRM), the proposed SAPM FRM can produce about 100% larger torque with negligible torque ripple, as well as higher efficiency and higher power factor. Two prototypes have been built and tested to validate the theoretical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the nonlinear behavior of the conventional voltage feedback flux-weakening control, i.e., the voltage magnitude feedback control on the nonsalient permanent magnet synchronous machine, and proposes an adaptive control parameter tuning method for the voltage feedback controller. Due to less voltage margin in the flux-weakening region, the current dynamic performance is degraded. This issue is more serious when the system operates in the overmodulation region and could affect the system's stability. Based on the designed voltage feedback controller, the system performance in the flux-weakening and overmodulation regions is further improved by utilizing the current and voltage reference modifiers. Consequently, the system can operate well in both linear and overmodulation regions with the specified scaling factor, which is beneficial to general-purpose applications. The viability of the proposed method is demonstrated by the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a consequent-pole flux reversal machine (CP-FRM) with biased flux modulation theory, which employs homopolar permanent magnets (PMs) placed between the adjacent stator poles. The machine topology is introduced from the perspective of FRM with a shifted magnet position and CP arrangement, and the performance comparison between the proposed CP-FRM and its original surface-mounted PM (SPM) counterpart is presented to highlight the torque improvement of the CP structure. Then, a simplified permeance model is applied to the CP-FRM to identify the principal effective air-gap field harmonics engaging in the torque productions. It shows that the CP-FRM works based on a biased flux modulation effect due to its asymmetric air-gap field distribution caused by the CP configuration, which unveils its underlying torque improvement mechanism over its SPM-FRM counterpart. In order to obtain the highest torque capability, the key design parameters are analytically optimized by analyzing the winding configuration, which aids the establishment of a general design guideline for the CP-FRM. The analytical and FE results are validated by experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the duty-ratio-based direct torque control strategies for dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) drives. The classical switching-table-based direct torque control (ST-DTC) for the dual three-phase drives usually suffers from significant harmonic currents and a large torque ripple. To reduce the harmonic currents, 12 combined voltage vectors are generated and employed as active vectors. Then, the duty-ratio-based ST-DTC is introduced to reduce the torque ripple. Considering that the typical duty-ratio-based ST-DTC exhibits the drawbacks of machine parameter dependent and a certain degree of failure rate in the duty ratio regulation, a simple and effective method taking into account the effect of the machine speed is employed to obtain the duty ratio. Afterward, to prevent the issue of the inverter thermal imbalance caused by using only one type of zero vectors, two types of zero vectors are employed in the switching sequences. With the proposed method, not only the harmonic currents have been suppressed, but also the torque ripple can be considerably reduced, while the merits of the classical ST-DTC such as simple structure and excellent dynamic performance are preserved. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to identify the optimal number of flux modulation pole (FMP) in Vernier permanent magnet synchronous machines (VPMSMs) with concentrated tooth-coil windings. First, the influence of number of FMP on machine performance is revealed based on the unified permanent magnet magnetomotive force permeance analytical model. It is found that for a fixed stator slot number, there always exists an optimal number of FMP to maximize the torque, thanks to the enhanced contribution by the fundamental permeance harmonic. Then, the influence of critical dimensional parameters, including the machine diameter, the permanent magnet thickness, and the width of FMP, on the electromagnetic performance of VPMSMs with different numbers of FMP are parametrically analyzed by both analytical and finite element analyses. Results show that the VPMSMs with the optimal number of FMP always have advantages of a higher torque density together with a reduced PM volume, particularly for those with a relatively large diameter. Finally, two VPMSM prototypes with different numbers of FMP are manufactured and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractional slot concentrated winding (FSCW) permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) have been a research hotspot over the past few decades. Recently, the magnetic gearing effect in FSCW PMSMs is revealed along with its gear ratio, which is a function of slot/pole number combination. At the design stage of FSCW PMSMs, one of the key issues is the selection of the slot/pole number combination. This paper shows that the gear ratio can contribute to a proper slot/pole number selection in any multiphase FSCW PMSMs by acting as a unified index for a quick overall performance comparison. In this paper, first, the magnetic gearing effect in FSCW PMSMs is explained and the gear ratio is further discussed. The advantages of adopting gear ratio as the overall performance index over other indices are revealed. The influence of the gear ratio on the winding factor, torque output, cogging torque, inductance, and rotor losses of three- and six-phase FSCW PMSMs is analyzed and validated by experiments, thus proving the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel modular stator hybrid-excited synchronous machine with stator slot permanent magnets (PMs). By regulating the field current, the magnetic field, and consequently the back electromotive force, as well as the average torque can be controlled. The existence of stator slot PMs alleviates the magnetic saturation and improves the flux regulation ratio. The frozen permeability method is employed to investigate the torque contributions by different magnetic sources. Possible stator and rotor pole combinations are illustrated, and the corresponding electromagnetic performances are evaluated with the finite-element method. It is revealed that 12-stator pole machines with 11- and 13-rotor poles exhibit superior average torque and lower torque ripple due to even-order harmonics elimination. Finally, a prototype with modular stator segments is manufactured to validate the analyses and simulations. [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 provides a comprehensive analysis of performance difference among various kinds of flux reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machines having different permanent magnet (PM) arrangements. Four PM arrangement types are, first, identified by the number and relative polarities of PMs on the stator teeth, and their influence on the equivalent pole-pair number of the armature winding and working harmonics of the air-gap field is revealed. Then, the torque variation against the rotor pole number of each PM arrangement is analyzed. The electromagnetic performance of four PM arrangements with a 14-pole rotor is compared in detail. It shows that the FRPM machine, in which four PM pieces are mounted on each stator tooth and two adjacent magnets on different stator teeth are of opposite polarities, offers the highest torque density and the highest efficiency, which make it promising in low-speed high-torque applications. In addition, four prototype machines are manufactured and tested to validate the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent magnet (PM) machine has received much attention recently. However, unbalanced magnetic force (UMF) may occur in PM machines with some slot/pole number combinations even when there is no rotor eccentricity, which can cause high vibration and noise. In order to reduce the rated on-load UMF, three 3-slot/2-pole PM machines with different auxiliary slots are investigated and compared in this paper. In the first two machines, namely, machines 1 and 2, the auxiliary slots are inserted in the middle of the stator teeth, while their sizes are optimized under different working conditions, i.e., no-load and rated on-load conditions. In contrast, both position and size of auxiliary slots are optimized under the rated on-load condition in the third machine viz., machine 3. Compared with the conventional prototype machine, the maximum rated on-load UMFs are reduced by 6.3%, 50.7%, and 96.6%, and the rated output torques are decreased by 0.7%, 11.5%, and 4% in these three machines, respectively. In addition, the other electromagnetic performances, such as flux linkage, back electromagnetic force, cogging torque, rated output torque, and torque ripple, are compared. The influence of working conditions is investigated, and the experiments are also carried out to validate the numerically predicted results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes two novel partitioned stator (PS) memory machines based on flux-reversal and switched-flux topologies, respectively. The proposed machines geometrically feature two separate stators with armature winding and hybrid PM excitations, i.e., NdFeB and low coercive force PMs. The proposed PS machines can offer increased available inner stator space for hybrid PM, which is beneficial to the torque improvement. The machine topologies are introduced first in terms of possible PM types with parallel magnetic circuits. The design considerations for hybrid PM are analytically analyzed. Then, the electromagnetic characteristics of the two proposed machines are comprehensively compared by using finite element (FE) method. The commercially available Toyota Prius 2010 machine is referenced as a benchmark for comparison with the optimal PS machine having identical overall dimension in potential context of traction applications. Finally, The FE analyses are validated by experiments on a small-scaled demonstration machine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series hybrid variable flux memory (VFM) machine employing two kinds of permanent magnets (PMs) on alternate rotor poles is investigated. This VFM machine features controllable PM flux and thus good flux-weakening capability, as well as improved torque density. However, it is found that the unipolar end leakage flux occurs if the two kinds of PMs are not balanced. According to the analyses of series connection between two PMs based on the fundamental magnetic circuit, the mechanism of the unbalanced rotor poles and the unipolar end leakage flux is revealed. Further, the rule of obtaining balanced poles is identified and the effects of operating conditions are presented. A series hybrid VFM machine prototype is fabricated and tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a double superposition method to quickly and accurately predict the cogging torque and unbalanced magnetic force (UMF) of permanent magnet machines with axial-varying rotor eccentricities. The original axial-varying eccentric machine is cut into several uniform slices along the axial direction and each slice is considered to be axially uniform, i.e., axial even. For each axial-even eccentric machine slice, the circumferential superposition method can be used to predict the cogging torque and UMF of this slice. Finally, the cogging torque and UMF of the original axial-varying eccentric machine can be obtained by using an axial superposition technique which combines the cogging torque and UMF of each slice with different eccentricity magnitudes together. The 3-D finite-element analysis is adopted to validate the efficacy of the proposed method and the merit of high accuracy and computational efficiency is also identified by comparing the results predicted from these two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel variable flux memory (VFM) machine, in which the “constant” permanent magnet (CPM) with high coercive force and the “variable” PM (VPM) with low coercive force are alternatively located in the interior-PM rotor. Thus, the VPMs and CPMs are magnetically connected in series, with which the CPMs can assist the VPMs to withstand the unintentional demagnetization caused by armature reaction. Therefore, a high armature current can be applied to the machine. Meanwhile, the reluctance torque is retrieved. Thus, a high torque density can be obtained. Based on two-dimensional finite element analysis, first, the electromagnetic performance of the proposed VFM machine in two extreme magnetization states is evaluated in detail. Then, the demagnetization and remagnetization characteristics are investigated, in which the working points of VPMs are illustrated. Furthermore, the advantages of improved efficiency of the proposed VFM machine are demonstrated. A prototype machine is manufactured and tested to validate the predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for enhancing torque capability of a dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) based on conventional dual three-phase drive system by injecting the fifth and seventh current harmonics without any hardware re-configuration is proposed in this paper. Compared with the third current harmonic injection, which is commonly used to enhance the torque capability of dual three-phase machine, the two isolated neutral points of each set of single three-phase windings do not need to be reconnected to the middle point of dc-link capacitors or an additional power switching bridge to provide flowing path for zero-sequence current. Further, no additional current sensors are required to obtain the feedback of zero-sequence current to regulate it effectively. For a prototype dual three-phase PMSM, the average torque increases approximately by 9% at the cost of 0.56% increase in the 12th harmonic torque ripple. The effectiveness of the torque capability enhancement is confirmed by experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel partitioned stator (PS) hybrid excited (HE) switched flux (SF) (PS-HESF) machine is proposed in this paper. In the PS-HESF machine, the permanent magnets (PMs) and field windings are allocated on one stator while the armature windings are placed on the other. The iron-piece-rotor is sandwiched between the two stators. Consequently, compared with the conventional HESF machine having PMs, field windings as well as armature windings all on one stator, the available space of the novel machine is greatly boosted and therefore the performance is enhanced. Based on 2-D finite-element analysis, the electromagnetic performance of the PS-HESF machine is evaluated and the results reveal that it can exhibit not only better flux regulation capability but also higher torque than the conventional HESF machine. Moreover, the influences of the key design parameters on the hybridization ratio in the PS-HESF machines are investigated. A prototype machine is manufactured and tested to validate the predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Due to asymmetric three-phase system and influence of inverter nonlinearity, large torque, and stator flux harmonics would exist in the space vector modulation-based direct torque controlled (DTC-SVM) three-phase permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs). A general expression for electromagnetic torque is derived for DTC of asymmetric three-phase PMSMs considering the influence of inverter nonlinearity. To mitigate the influence of the undesired harmonics, a compensation method is developed by enhancing the standard proportional-integral (PI)-regulator in the torque and flux loops with appropriate resonant controllers. Since the 2nd- and 6th-order harmonics are the most dominant components, two resonant controllers tuning at the 2nd and 6th of stator angular frequency, respectively, are utilized. The proposed method can achieve good steady-state performance in terms of low torque and flux ripples, while keeping the merits of the conventional DTC-SVM strategy such as good dynamic torque response and machine parameter independence. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a design methodology for switched flux (SF) hybrid permanent magnet memory machines (HPMMMs). The memorable flux is achieved due to the variable magnetization level of low coercive force (LCF) permanent magnets (PMs) Thus, the associated excitation loss is negligible, resulting in high efficiency operation over a wide speed range. A general hybrid PM magnetic circuit is modeled, which is characterized by spoke-array NdFeB PMs and LCF PMs sandwiched between an outer stator ring and an inner stator pole. Based on the magnetic circuit, the design conflicts within the stationary side are unveiled. Thereafter, the machine configuration is introduced, followed by a description of the design procedure. First, the optimal stator pole number is determined based on one-phase machine models. In addition, a simplified permeance function is utilized to analytically optimize the rotor number, accounting for different ratios of the slot opening to NdFeB PM thickness. The electromagnetic performance of the machines with alternate stator/rotor pole combinations are compared. The design guidelines for LCF PMs are presented. Finally, the theoretical analysis is verified experimentally on the prototype machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A partitioned stator hybrid excited machine is proposed, in which the permanent magnets and field windings are alternately placed on an inner stator separated from the outer stator having armature windings. This machine inherits the features of brushless machines and benefits from better space utilization. The operating principle and the effects of slot/pole combinations are investigated in detail. Further, based on 2-D finite-element analysis, the electromagnetic performances of the proposed machines, including back-electromotive force, cogging torque, flux regulation range, torque capability, power factor and torque–speed curve, are evaluated. The results reveal that the proposed machines can exhibit wide flux regulation range as well as good torque density. The prototype is manufactured and tested to validate the predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A dual-stator hybrid-excited switched-flux (DS-HESF) machine, which is based on the conventional SF permanent magnet machine but employs a secondary stator to accommodate the field windings, is proposed in this paper. The DS-HESF machine inherits the robust rotor and benefits from a better space utilization. The topology and operating principle of the proposed machine are introduced in detail. Based on the 2-D finite-element analysis, the comparison between the DS-HESF machines having different rotor pole numbers is carried out, accompanied with a conventional HESF machine as a baseline. The results reveal that the DS-HESF machines exhibit not only higher torque density but also a better flux regulation capability. The prototype is manufactured and tested to validate the predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a partitioned stator switched flux memory machine (PS-SFMM) with triple magnets to enable expedient flux control with reduced converter power rating. Meanwhile, the torque/magnet cost ratio of the machine has been significantly improved without much compromise of the torque capability. Three kinds of permanent magnets (PMs), NdFeB, SmCo, and AlNiCo, are hybridized, and hence the irreversible demagnetization of vulnerable AlNiCo PMs can be well prevented by SmCo magnets. The machine configurations with dual PM (DPM) and triple PM (TPM) are described first. Thereafter, the performance improvement mechanism is unveiled and addressed in the perspective of hysteresis curves as well as simplified magnetic circuits. In addition, the electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed machine with triple-magnet design are investigated and compared with those having DPMs. Finally, two PS-SFMM prototypes with DPM and TPM are manufactured and tested to verify the theoretical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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 partitioned stator (PS) machine adopts two stators to allocate windings and permanent magnets (PMs) separately, increasing the space for PMs as well as armature coils to boost the electromagnetic torque and improving the thermal condition of PMs. In this paper, the PS switched-flux PM (PS-SFPM) machine and the PS flux reversal PM (PS-FRPM) machine are proved to inherently share the same operating principle and similar machine topology but with interior PM (IPM) and surface-mounted PM stators, respectively. Furthermore, four globally optimized PS machines with different inner stator topologies are compared in terms of back EMF, cogging torque, electromagnetic torque, torque per PM volume, and flux-weakening capability. The results reveal that the spoke-shaped IPM (IPM-spoke) inner stator exhibits the highest back EMF and hence the highest average torque, while the I-shaped IPM (IPM-I) stator has the best flux-weakening capability, and the V-shaped IPM (IPM-V) produces the highest torque per PM volume. Furthermore, four machines are redesigned with the same PM usage volume, and the results show that the PS-SFPM machine still exhibits the highest back EMF as well as torque although with sacrificed advantages. The finite-element analyses and experiments are used to confirm the predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, partitioned stator flux reversal permanent magnet (PS-FRPM) machines having different stator/rotor pole combinations with consequent-pole PM (CPM) stator are proposed and analyzed. Compared with the conventional 12-stator-pole PS-FRPM machines having 10-, 11-, 13-, and 14-rotor-pole rotors and surface-mounted PM (SPM) stator, the PM volume in the proposed PS-FRPM machines with CPM stator can be saved by 28.33%, 30%, 30%, and 33.33%, respectively, while the torque density are similar, i.e., 98.59%, 96.69%, 95.50%, and 97.15%, respectively. Besides, the proposed PS-FRPM machines with CPM stator can exhibit only <1% smaller efficiency compared with the existing PS-FRPM machines with SPM inner stator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local magnetic saturation in tooth-tips of surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machines generates on-load terminal voltage distortion, especially when small or closed slot openings are adopted. This paper focuses on investigating the influence of slot and pole number (Ns/2p) combinations on this phenomenon in both fractional slot and integer slot SPM machines. The mechanism of this phenomenon and how it is influenced by current advance angle and tooth-tip geometric parameters are introduced first. Then, voltage distortion pattern is proposed to analyze the occurring time or rotor positions of voltage ripples and their relative amplitudes according to the winding arrangements of different Ns/2 p combinations, with the influence of PM leakage flux considered. By 2-D finite-element analysis, the voltage distortion of various machines is calculated and compared, such as Ns \pm 1 = 2p, Ns \pm 2 = 2p, N s/2p = 3/2 (3/4), and integer slot machines with slot number per pole per phase q = 1 or 2. The analysis results reveal that under the same comparison conditions, the integer slot machines have less voltage distortion than the fractional slot machines, especially when q \geq 2. Meanwhile, for the same slot number, the fractional slot machines with Ns > 2p suffer from on-load voltage distortion less than their counterparts with Ns < 2p. Finally, three prototype machines with 12/10, 12/14, and 12/8 slot/pole numbers are manufactured and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a quantitative comparative study on the two novel memory machines (MMs) with two sets of different magnets on the stator, which are derived from the switched flux (SF) and the variable reluctance (VR) topologies, respectively. The machine topologies, the operating principles, and the design considerations are described. The hybrid magnet sizing is analytically optimized with the aid from a simplified magnetic circuit. Then, the major parametric optimization is conducted on the two machines sharing identical outer diameter and stack length, as well as the copper loss constraint. The electromagnetic performance of the two optimally designed models is analyzed and comprehensively compared, which confirms the advantage of the SF topology for MMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to different magnetic saturation conditions in surface-mounted permanent magnet machines operating under different loads, the optimal design to minimize the cogging torque may not be the one to minimize torque ripple as well. This paper investigates the design tradeoff between the open-circuit cogging torque and the on-load torque ripple by taking the design of slot opening as an example. With the aid of the frozen permeability method, first, the torque components under different slot opening widths and load conditions are presented based on a 12-slot/8-pole machine. The result reveals that the on-load cogging increases significantly, especially when a small slot opening width is adopted, which is opposite to the condition for minimizing the open-circuit cogging torque. Then, two machines separately designed for minimum open-circuit cogging torque or minimum on-load torque ripple are compared to illustrate alternative design tradeoffs. Finally, a prototype machine is manufactured and tested to validate the analysis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel stator hybrid-excited, parallel flux path, synchronous machine of doubly salient topology is proposed. It has the novel features of: 1) hybrid dc field and permanent magnet (PM) excitation in the stator; 2) magnets placed in the slots between adjacent salient stator poles; and 3) the magnetic poles of PMs arranged, such that the flux premagnetizes the stator, but it is in a direction to oppose the dc excitation flux. The electromagnetic characteristics of the machine are analyzed on open-circuit and load. Since the new machine topology is developed from the variable-flux machine (VFM), a comparison of their electromagnetic torque and machine losses is conducted. The average electromagnetic torque of the hybrid-excited machine can be increased by 18% for fixed copper loss in comparison with the VFM due to the reduction of magnetic saturation in the stator. It is also shown that at high temperatures some risk of PM demagnetization exists when excited with dc and armature currents due to fringing flux that exists between the stator and the rotor poles. However, this affects only a very small area of the PMs. The performance of the hybrid-excited machine is predicted by a 2-D finite-element analysis and experimentally validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism and the influence of the on-load terminal phase voltage distortion by the armature reaction in interior permanent magnet (IPM) machines with fractional-slot concentrated windings (FSCWs) are investigated in this paper, by taking a 12-slot/8-pole machine as an example. The phenomenon is presented first, which shows that the peak voltage will be much higher than the fundamental value, especially under the flux-weakening operation. Then, the mechanism is investigated with the aid of the frozen permeability method. Due to the geometric feature of the FSCW IPM rotor, the armature reaction flux will asymmetrically enhance the local magnetic saturation in the tooth-tips and the rotor lamination region near the rotor ribs, which disrupt the smooth variation of phase flux linkage and lead to a voltage distortion. With the increasing of current advancing angle ( $\beta $ ), this effect will become more obvious and result in the higher distortion level. Furthermore, the influences of voltage distortion on the machine torque performance are investigated, which show that it will only contribute to the torque ripple in the constant torque region, but will largely reduce the flux-weakening operation region compared with the ideal one calculated by the fundamental voltages only. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The on-load voltage distortion in fractional slot surface-mounted permanent magnet machines refers to the phase terminal voltage distorted by armature reaction. With the aid of frozen permeability method, the mechanism of this phenomenon has been investigated based on a 12-slot/8-pole model as an example, showing that the local magnetic saturation in tooth-tips is the main cause, especially when small or closed slot openings are adopted. Then, its impacts on machine performance under vector control have been investigated. If the dc-link voltage is sufficient to satisfy all distorted voltage, i.e., operating in constant torque region, the phenomenon mainly contributes to torque ripple. However, it becomes more problematic in the flux weakening region if the dc-link voltage is limited. Both base-speed and torque-speed curve will significantly differ from the expected results calculated by fundamental voltages. Meanwhile, if the machine operates beyond the base speed, or considering the limited bandwidth in real systems, the phase currents may be distorted, which consequently increase the current harmonics and reduce the average torque. Finally, a prototype machine is manufactured and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper systematically presents the development of novel stator electrically field excited synchronous machines having salient pole rotors without any coils or magnets. This kind of new machine does not use slip-rings/brushes required in the conventional rotor wound field machines and combines the synergies of wound field machines, permanent magnet (PM) machines, switched reluctance, and synchronous reluctance machines. This paper describes the machine topologies, winding configurations, electromagnetic performance, and torque/power density, as well as acoustic noise and vibration, together with a comparison with the Toyota Prius interior PM machine in terms of torque/power speed characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rotor shaping technique with optimal third harmonic is presented to enhance the average torque of interior permanent-magnet (IPM) machines in this paper. The optimal value of third harmonic injected into the rotor outer surface shape has been derived and further confirmed by both finite-element analyses and experiments. The impact of the optimal third harmonic to the rotor shape on the electromagnetic performance, including harmonics in the back electromotive forces, cogging torque, average torque, and torque ripple, is investigated. It is demonstrated that without any modification of the costly rare earth permanent magnet employed for the inverse-cosine-shaped rotor, the average torque of the machine of an inverse cosine injected with an optimal third-harmonic-shaped rotor can be improved by > 6%. Simultaneously, the torque ripple remains almost unchanged, and the saliency ratio is also improved, further boosting the average torque. Finally, the machines with both conventional and optimal third harmonic rotors are prototyped and tested to validate the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the simplified analytical optimization and comparison between electrically excited (EE) and permanent-magnet (PM) machines in terms of torque per volume T/V and torque per weight T/G for low-speed applications when their copper loss and overall size are the same. Analytical torque models for both machines are individually developed and optimized to obtain the optimal flux density ratio, split ratio, and maximum torque densities. Furthermore, the variation of optima with the number of poles and machine size is also investigated. The analytical analyses are validated by both finite-element analyses and experiments. It is concluded that torque densities of PM machines can be more than \sqrt2 times higher than those of EE machines. For EE machines, there is an optimal pole number to maximize torque densities, and large volume applications are preferred. In actual applications, EE machines are more likely to compromise the torque density to meet the thermal constraints. It also shows that the optimal T/G designs have significantly higher split ratio and are more cost- and weight-effective than the optimal T/V designs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]