Comparative study on two modular spoke-type PM machines for in-wheel traction applications

This paper focuses on the comparative analysis of modular spoke-type permanent magnet machines with two magnetization modes, which are referred to as M-I and M-II types. The analytical models of the proposed machines are built based on the simple magneto-motive-force-permeance method. With the help of finite element analysis and the analytical models, magnetic fields in machines with different magnetization modes are compared. Then, taking as a base an existing commercial in-wheel machine used in an electric motorcycle, two proposed machines with different magnetization modes are designed as in-wheel traction machines and compared with respect to electromagnetic torque, flux-weakening performance, over-load capability, etc. The machines are prototyped and experimentally tested to verify the prediction that the M-II machines exhibit a higher torque output while the M-I machines have a wider speed range

Profiling the Eddy Current Losses Variations of High-Speed Permanent Magnet Machines in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

High-speed permanent magnet (PM) machines have been recognized as a popular choice for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Although high-speed operation can enhance the machine power density, more rotor eddy current losses can be expected. Those losses dominantly result from the current harmonics that may vary during the vehicle driving cycles. Therefore, it is crucial to profile the eddy current losses variations, thus identifying the worst case. To achieve this objective, a new indicator, namely the frequency-weighted harmonics distortion (FWTH), is defined correlating with eddy current losses in this paper. Profiling eddy current losses variations by FWTH relieves the computational burden seen in the finite element analysis (FEA) as its derivation simply governs all the current harmonics. Various machine and converter operation conditions are covered in the study. The strong correlations between the addressed FWTH factor and the eddy current losses have been validated from the FEA, and then the experimental results on a 110krpm, 35kW PM machine served in PHEVs. The effectiveness of using FWTH to profile the eddy current losses variations during driving cycles has been proven, where the worst eddy current case has been identified for the tested machine