Analytical Model of Modular Spoke-Type Permanent Magnet Machines for In-Wheel Traction Applications

This paper 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

Design and Performance Comparisons of Brushless Doubly-Fed Generators with Different Rotor Structures

The Brushless Doubly-Fed Generator (BDFG) shows the great potential for use in large variable speed wind turbines due to its high reliability and cost benefits of a partially-rated power electronics converter. However, it suffers from the compromised efficiency and power factor in comparison with conventional doubly fed induction or synchronous generators. Therefore, optimizing the BDFG, especially the rotor, is necessary for enhancing its torque density and market competitiveness. In this paper, a novel cage-assisted magnetic barrier rotor, called the hybrid rotor, is proposed and analyzed. The detailed analytical design approaches based on the magnetic field modulation theory are investigated. In addition, the machine losses and mutual inductance values using the proposed rotor designs are calculated and their performance implications evaluated. Finally, the comparative experimental results for two BDFG prototypes are presented to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the theoretical studies

Analysis of flux-reversal permanent-magnet machines with different consequent-pole PM topologies

This paper comprehensively studies the electromagnetic performance of flux-reversal permanent-magnet (FRPM) machines with different consequent-pole PM (CPM) topologies. Four CPM topologies are first introduced and classified by different numbers of PM pieces and PM locations on stator teeth. Then, the distribution and working harmonics of air-gap flux density of each CPM topology are analyzed and compared, from which the CPM topology with the highest torque density is identified. The influence of critical design parameters on machine performance is also parametrically investigated. By comparing the torque performance of CPM topologies with their surface-mounted PM counterparts, the advantages of CPM topologies, i.e., torque improvement and magnet volume reduction, are clearly revealed. Four FRPM prototypes are manufactured and tested to verify the analyses

Comparative study of air-gap field modulation in flux reversal and Vernier permanent magnet machines

In this paper, the torque production mechanisms of flux-reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machine and Vernier permanent magnet (PM) machine are analyzed and compared based on air-gap field modulation. Working harmonics of PM magnetomotive force (MMF) and air-gap permeance in two machines are analytically identified and compared, indicating that the fundamental PM MMF together with all permeance harmonics contribute to the torque production of Vernier machine whereas all PM MMF harmonics but only fundamental permeance in FRPM machine produces the torque. Thanks to the utilized large dc component of air-gap permeance, the torque density of Vernier machine is revealed to be better. Influence of critical parameters on machine performance, such as PM thickness and slot width ratio of the modulation pole, is also investigated. It shows that FRPM machine is more sensitive to the design parameters. Both finite-element analysis and experimental validation are conducted to verify the conclusion

Thermal Model Approach to Multisector Three-Phase Electrical Machines

© 1982-2012 IEEE. Multisector machines reveal a high fault-tolerant capability, since failure events can be isolated by de-energizing the faulty sector, while the healthy ones contribute in delivering the required power. This article is focused on the thermal analysis of multisector three-phase machines in healthy and faulty operations. First, a 3-D lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) of a single sector is developed and finetuned against experimental data, through a genetic algorithm for identifying the uncertain parameters. According to the operating conditions, the varying housing surface temperature affects the heat exchanged to the ambient. Hence, an analytical formula is proposed to adjust the natural convection coefficient value depending on the operating condition. Then, the 3-D LPTN, modeling the whole machine, is built aiming at investigating the thermal behavior during faulty conditions. Finally, the complete 3-D LPTN is employed for predicting the machine thermal performance under several faulty conditions. Furthermore, the current overload experienced by the healthy sector (in order to keep the same torque level as during the pre-fault operation) is determined, in accordance with the magnet wire thermal class. The effectiveness of the 3-D LPTN in predicting the temperature is experimentally demonstrated

Analysis of consequent-pole flux reversal permanent magnet machine with biased flux modulation theory

This paper investigates 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-FPM 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 the experiments

Analysis of DC winding induced voltage in wound-rotor synchronous machines by using the air-gap field modulation principle

In order to analyze the DC winding induced voltage in the wound-rotor synchronous machine, this paper uses the air-gap field modulation principle to investigate its operation mechanism and harmonic order. By establishing the analytical magneto-motive force (MMF)-permeance model, the DC winding induced voltage per electrical cycle under open-circuit condition, armature reaction condition and on-load condition are deduced. Analytical analysis shows that the MMF function, stator and rotor permeance function are critical factors that influence the harmonic order of the DC winding induced voltage. The analysis results are compared with those predicted by the finite element analysis (FEA). Both non-linear steel and linear steel conditions are accounted in the FEA analysis, and the results show that the analytical deduction result agrees well with the FEA analysis result