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

On-load demagnetization effect of high-coercive-force PMs in switched flux hybrid magnet memory machine

In the previous researches of hybrid magnet memory motors (HMMMs), the demagnetization characteristics of low-coercive-force (LCF) magnets have been already investigated extensively. Nevertheless, the possible irreversible demagnetization of high-coercive-force (HCF) magnets remains unexplored hitherto. In this paper, the demagnetization behaviour of HCF magnets in switched flux hybrid magnet memory machines (SF-HMMMs) accounting for the high-level current pulse is revealed and investigated. A simplified magnetic circuit model is built to illustrate when and how the DC current pulse poses the risk of irreversible demagnetization to the HCF magnets. Furthermore, the influences of temperature, DC current amplitude and HCF magnet thickness on the irreversible demagnetization effect of HCF magnets in the investigated SF-HMMM are analyzed based on finite-element (FE) analyses. The theoretical and FE results are experimentally verified by the tests on an SF-HMMM prototype

Design and analysis of novel asymmetric-stator-pole flux reversal PM machine

This paper proposes a novel flux reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machine with asymmetric-stator-pole (ASP) configuration. Different from the conventional FRPM machine with uniform “NS-NS-NS” PM sequence, the proposed ASP-FRPM machine is characterized by a “NSN-S-NSN” magnet arrangement. Hence, the interpolar flux leakage is significantly reduced with the developed design, which can improve the torque capability. The machine topologies, features and operating principle are introduced, respectively. A simplified magnetic circuit model is established to reveal the underlying flux leakage reduction mechanism of the ASP design, and the rotor pole number is analytically optimized as well. The design parameters are then globally optimized so as to improve the torque quality. In addition, the electromagnetic characteristics of the ASP- and conventional FRPM machines are compared. Finally, experiments have been carried out to validate the theoretical results

Comparative study of partitioned stator memory machines with series and parallel hybrid PM configurations

In this paper, the partitioned stator (PS) structure is extended to variable-flux memory machines, forming two newly emerged PS switched-flux memory machines (PS-SFMMs) with series and parallel hybrid magnet configurations. From the perspective of geometry, both two PS-SFMMs share identical outer stator and rotor segments, while two different types of permanent magnet (PM) arrangements are employed in the inner stationary part. Thus, the developed machines can inherent the geometric separation of the armature winding and PM excitations from the PS design, thus achieving acceptable torque capability, and excellent air-gap flux control. A comparative study between PS-SFMMs with series and parallel structures is established. First, the topologies and operating principle are introduced, respectively. In addition, the design tradeoffs and PM sizing of the two PS machines are revealed and optimized with a simplified magnetic circuit model. Then, the electromagnetic characteristics of PS-SFMMs with different magnetic circuits are investigated and compared with the finite-element (FE) method. The FE results are validated by the experiments on a parallel prototype

A variable-mode stator consequent pole memory machine

In this paper, a variable-mode concept is proposed for the speed range extension of a stator-consequent-pole memory machine (SCPMM). An integrated permanent magnet (PM) and electrically excited control scheme is utilized to simplify the flux-weakening control instead of relatively complicated continuous PM magnetization control. Due to the nature of memory machine, the magnetization state of low coercive force (LCF) magnets can be easily changed by applying either a positive or negative current pulse. Therefore, the number of PM poles may be changed to satisfy the specific performance requirement under different speed ranges, i.e. the machine with all PM poles can offer high torque output while that with half PM poles provides wide constant power range. In addition, the SCPMM with non-magnetized PMs can be considered as a dual-three phase electrically excited reluctance machine, which can be fed by an open-winding based dual inverters that provide direct current (DC) bias excitation to further extend the speed range. The effectiveness of the proposed variable-mode operation for extending its operating region and improving the system reliability is verified by both finite element analysis (FEA) and experiments

Comparative study of hybrid PM memory machines having single- and dual-stator configurations

In this paper, the memory flux principle is extended to switched flux structures, forming two newly emerged switched flux memory machines (SFMMs) with single-stator (SS) and dual-stator (DS) configurations. Two types of permanent magnets (PMs), i.e., NdFeB and low coercive force PMs, are located in the stationary part. Thus, the developed machines can achieve easy online PM magnetization control, excellent air-gap flux control, and acceptable torque capability. In order to address the issue about the limited stator space encompassing dual PMs and magnetizing coils in the SS-SFMM, a DS design is further developed, where all excitations are placed on a separate inner stator to improve the torque density. A comparative study between the SFMMs with SS and DS structures is established. The investigated machine topologies and operating principle are described first based on a “U”-shaped hybrid PM arrangement, and the PM sizing of the DS machine is optimized with a simplified magnetic circuit model. In addition, the electromagnetic characteristics of the SFMMs with SS and DS structures are investigated and compared by a finite-element (FE) method. The FE results are validated by the experiments on two fabricated prototypes

A novel dual-sided PM variable flux memory machine

This paper proposes a novel dual-sided permanent magnet memory machine (DSPM-MM) by combing the distinct advantages of “high torque density” of conventional rotor-PM machine and “convenient online PM flux control” of stator-PM MM. In the proposed design, the consequent-pole NdFeB PMs are placed in the rotor, whereas the low coercive force (LCF) PMs are mounted between the adjacent stator teeth to enable flexible air-gap flux adjustment. Meanwhile, since the LCF PMs can be either remagnetized or demagnetized bidirectionally by a current pulse, the associated flux-weakening copper loss is eliminated, and hence, the proposed DSPM-MM can maintain high efficiency operation over a wide operating range. The machine topology and operating principle are introduced and addressed from the perspective of the nonlinear hysteresis behavior of LCF PMs as well as dual flux modulation effect, respectively. Then, the electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed machines having various available rotor poles are investigated and compared. The feasibility of the proposed design is validated by both finite element and experimental results

Analysis of flux barrier effect of LCF PM in series hybrid magnet variable flux memory machine

Variable flux memory machines (VFMMs) with series hybrid magnets using both low coercive force (LCF) and high coercive force (HCF) permanent magnets (PMs) have been recognized as a viable candidate for wide-speed-range industrial applications due to the advantages of high torque density and wide speed range. Nevertheless, the adverse effects of LCF PM on the HCF PM in series-type VFMM under different magnetization states (MSs) are still unreported. In this paper, the flux barrier effect (FBE) of the LCF PM existing in series hybrid magnet VFMM is first revealed, and its causes are discussed as well as analyzed in depth on the basis of the equivalent magnetic circuit method and finite-element (FE) analyses. A topology of VFMM with dual-layer PMs is further developed to alleviate the FBE induced from LCF PMs. It can be found that the FBE can be effectively suppressed by employing the dual-layer (DL) PM arrangement and additional leakage flux paths. A prototype of the proposed design is built, and the theoretical and FE results are experimentally verified

Superconducting Properties of MgCNi3 Films

We report the magnetotransport properties of thin polycrystalline films of the recently discovered non-oxide perovskite superconductor MgCNi3. CNi3 precursor films were deposited onto sapphire substrates and subsequently exposed to Mg vapor at 700 C. We report transition temperatures (Tc) and critical field values (Hc2) of MgCNi3 films ranging in thickness from 7.5 nm to 100 nm. Films thicker than ~40 nm have a Tc ~ 8 K, and an upper critical field Hc2 ~ 14 T, which are both comparable to that of polycrystalline powders. Hall measurements in the normal state give a carrier density, n =-4.2 x 10^22 cm^-3, that is approximately 4 times that reported for bulk samples.Comment: submitted to PR

Novel dual-stator machines with biased permanent magnet excitation

This paper proposes high-torque-density dual stator permanent magnet machines with biased permanent magnet (PM) excitation in the inner stator. The developed machine can be geometrically considered as an outer-rotor stator PM machine plus a separate outer stator similar to the conventional fractional-slot machines. Consequently, the proposed designs feature two different stator structures. Meanwhile, two sets of armature windings are employed to improve the space utilization ratio and torque density. The machine topologies and operating principles are first described. In addition, the analytical models of the machine are introduced, which are utilized to optimize the stator/rotor pole combination as well as the power splitting ratio between two stators. This design optimization is performed in order to maximize the torque capability with the constraint of copper loss. The electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed machine with different inner stator structures are evaluated and compared by the finite-element (FE) method. Finally, an optimized DS-BPMM prototype is manufactured and tested to verify the FE analyses