Overload capability of linear flux switching permanent magnet machines

The 2D nature of magnetic field in permanent magnet flux-switching machines and the presence of all magnetic field sources [permanent magnets and windings (armature windings and eventually excitation coils)] in the stator, which implies a completely passive moving armature, makes them very good candidates in many different applications. Due to these interesting features, rotating and linear permanent magnet flux switching structures attracted considerable research efforts in the last years. However, to date, the overload capability of this kind of structures has not been investigated in detail. The study presented in this paper will help identify main factors limiting the improvement of overload capability for PM flux switching machines. Solutions to improve this characteristic will also be explored.