Influence of design parameters on cogging torque in permanent magnet machines

The influence of various design parameters on the cogging torque developed by permanent magnet machines is investigated. It is shown that the slot and pole number combination has a significant effect on the cogging torque, and influences the optimal value of both skew angle and magnet arc, as well as determining the optimal number of auxiliary teeth/slots. A simple factor, which is proportional to the slot number and the pole number and inversely proportional to their smallest common multiple, has been introduced to indicate the “goodness”β of the slot and pole number combination. In general, the higher the “goodness” factor the larger the cogging torqu

Analytical modeling of open-Circuit air-Gap field distributions in multisegment and multilayer interior permanent-magnet machines

We present a simple lumped magnetic circuit model for interior permanent-magnet (IPM) machines with multisegment and multilayer permanent magnets. We derived analytically the open-circuit air-gap field distribution, average air-gap flux density, and leakage fluxes. To verify the developed models and analytical method, we adopted finite-element analysis (FEA). We show that for prototype machines, the errors between the FEA and analytically predicted results are $≪$1% for multisegment IPM machines and $≪$ 2% for multilayer IPM machines. By utilizing the developed lumped magnetic circuit models, the IPM machines can be optimized for maximum fundamental and minimum total harmonic distortion of the air-gap flux density distribution

Influence of design parameters on the starting torque of a single-phase PM brushless DC motor

The starting torque of a single-phase permanent magnet brushless DC motor is investigated, for both radial and parallel magnetization. Finite element analysis is used to assess the relative merits of alternative methods of introducing the required air gap asymmetry, viz. tapered air gap, stepped air gap, asymmetric air gap, and slotted teeth. The predicted results are validated experimentall

Comparison of Halbach magnetized brushless machines based on discrete magnet segments or a single ring magnet

This paper compares the air-gap field distribution, cogging torque, back-electromotive-force waveform, and efficiency of brushless machines having a Halbach magnetization produced by either discrete magnet segments or a single ring magnet. Results deduced from finite-element analyses are compared with measurements, and the performance of Halbach magnetized machines is compared with that of machines equipped with radially magnetized magnets

Permanent-magnet brushless machines with unequal tooth widths and similar slot and pole numbers

This paper presents a comparative study of three-phase permanent-magnet brushless machines in which the slot and pole numbers are similar, with reference to conventional brushless dc machines in which the ratio of the slot number to pole number is usually 3 : 2. Three different motor designs are considered. Two have equal tooth widths, with one having a coil wound on every tooth and the other only having a coil wound on alternate teeth, while the third machine also has coils wound on alternate teeth but these are wider than the unwound teeth while the width of their tooth tips is almost equal to the rotor pole pitch in order to maximize the flux linkage and torque. Analytical and finite-element methods are employed to predict the flux-linkage and back-electromotive-force waveforms, and the self- and mutual-inductances, and these are shown to be in good agreement with measured results. It is also shown that the third machine is eminently appropriate for brushless dc operation

Improved analytical model for predicting the magnetic field distribution in brushless permanent-magnet machines

A general analytical technique predicts the magnetic field distribution in brushless permanent magnet machines equipped with surface-mounted magnets. It accounts for the effects of both the magnets and the stator windings. The technique is based on two-dimensional models in polar coordinates and solves the governing Laplacian/quasi-Poissonian field equations in the airgap/magnet regions without any assumption regarding the relative recoil permeability of the magnets. The analysis works for both internal and external rotor motor topologies, and either radial or parallel magnetized magnets, as well as for overlapping and nonoverlapping stator windings. The paper validates results of the analytical models by finite-element analyses, for both slotless and slotted motor

Improved speed estimation in sensorless PM brushless AC drives

The application of flux-observer-based sensorless control to permanent-magnet brushless AC motor drives is described. Current methods of speed estimation are assessed, both theoretically and experimentally, and an improved method, which combines the best features of methods in which speed is derived from the differential of rotor position and from the ratio of the electromotive force to excitation flux linkage, is proposed. Its performance is verified experimentally

Rotor resonances of high-speed permanent-magnet brushless machines

For high-speed machines, in particular, it is very important to accurately predict natural frequencies of the rotor at the design stage so as to minimize the likelihood of failure. Finite-element analysis and experimental measurements are used to establish the natural frequencies and modes of the rotor of a high-speed permanent-magnet brushless motor, and to assess the influence of leading design parameters, such as the active length, the shaft diameter and extension, the bearings, and the material properties

Direct torque control of brushless DC drives with reduced torque ripple

The application of direct torque control (DTC) to brushless ac drives has been investigated extensively. This paper describes its application to brushless dc drives, and highlights the essential differences in its implementation, as regards torque estimation and the representation of the inverter voltage space vectors. Simulated and experimental results are presented, and it is shown that, compared with conventional current control, DTC results in reduced torque ripple and a faster dynamic response

Online optimal flux-weakening control of permanent-magnet brushless AC drives

An enhanced online optimal control strategy, which maximizes the flux-weakening performance of a brushless AC motor, is described, and applied to motors having different rotor topologies: interior (radial or circumferential), inset, and surface-mounted magnet. It enables the maximum inherent power capability of a brushless AC motor to be achieved independent of any variation in its parameters, and facilitates maximum efficiency over the entire speed range. It also results in good transient dynamic performance, since it is coupled with feedforward vector control based on optimal current profiles