Comparative Study of Linear Variable Flux Reluctance Machine with Linear Wound Field Flux Reversal Machine

As members of doubly salient magnetless linear machines, linear variable flux reluctance (LVFR) and wound field flux reversal (LWFFR) machines inherit the merits of conventional magnetless linear machines such as low cost, high flux adjustment capability and high reliability. Furthermore, like linear switched reluctance machine, they have a very simple and compact long secondary, which are very attractive for long stroke applications. However, low force capability is their major defect. To solve this issue, new LVFR and LWFFR machine topologies were proposed in recent work, while lacking studies on their force improvement mechanism and further force evaluation. In this paper, LVFR and LWFFR machines with improved force performance are comparatively studied with the emphasis on their force capabilities. The operation principle of the two machines is analyzed based on magnetic field harmonics produced by flux modulation. Contributions of air-gap flux density harmonic components to no-load back electromagnetic forces of the two machines are analyzed and the average force equation is derived. Moreover, force capabilities of the both machines are investigated by means of the time-stepping finite-element analysis to verify the theoretical analysis.