Development of a Consequent Pole Transverse Flux Permanent Magnet Linear Machine with Passive Secondary Structure

Transverse-flux machines have the advantage of high force density owing to the peculiarity of decoupling of electric loading and magnetic loading.In this paper,a novel consequent-pole transverse-flux permanent magnet linear machine(CP-TFPMLM)is proposed and investigated.The origination of the proposed machine is from an existing transverse-flux flux-reversal linear machine(TF-FRLM),by partially replacing permanent magnet poles with soft magnetic iron for further reducing the cost of magnets.The fundamental structure and operating principle are introduced at first.The electromagnetic performance,including back EMF,detent force,and thrust force,are investigated with the finite element method.The proposed machine can achieve similar performance as compared to the TF-FRLM but with half of the magnets are used.

Design of a Novel Dual Flux Modulation Machine with Consequent-Pole Spoke-Array Permanent Magnets in Both Stator and Rotor

In this paper,a novel dual flux modulation(DFM)machine with consequent-pole spoke-array permanent magnets(PMs)in both stator and rotor is proposed to achieve a larger torque density than regular flux modulation machines.The stator has two portions of PMs,one is set next to the stator slot with circumferential magnetization,and the other is inserted between the stator yoke and flux bridge with radial magnetization.The rotor has consequent-pole spoke-array PMs and alternative flux bridges.The proposed DFMPM machine can be regarded as the combination of the flux switching PM(FSPM)machine and vernier PM(VPM)machine.First,the structure and operational principle are introduced.Then,the proposed 12-stator-slot/10-rotor-tooth dual flux modulation permanent magnet(DFMPM)machine is compared with the FSPM machine and VPM machine in terms of flux lines distribution,back-electromotive force(EMF),cogging torque and average torque.Finally,the four proposed DFMPM machines are optimized for maximum average torque and minimum ripple torque considering the effects of split ratio,slot opening ratio,PM depth,PM angle and iron angle.

Analysis of an Axial-flux Slotted Limited-angle Torque Motor with Quasi-Halbach Array for Torque Performance Improvement

Better torque performance and higher reliability have long been the focus of research for slotted limited-angle torque motors(LATMs),which are primarily used to position first-stage valves in electrohydraulic servosystems.This paper presents a high reliability axial-flux slotted LATM with quasi-Halbach array for torque performance improvement including constant torque range(CTR)and output torque.Firstly,the structure with two sets of windings and the operation principle of the proposed slotted LATM is analyzed.Secondly,a brief design procedure is presented,the structure selections of open slot and double-stator single-rotor(DSSR)interior rotor with surface mounted quasi-Halbach permanent magnet(PM)array are illustrated,and the geometric parameters are optimized to obtain the optimal design of the proposed slotted LATM.Then,3-D finite-element method(FEM)is employed to compare the proposed slotted LATM with the conventional surface mounted PM slotted LATM in terms of cogging torque,no-load back EMF,and output torque,and the results show that the proposed LATM with quasi-Halbach array has a 10%improvement in output torque and a 25%improvement in CTR.Meanwhile,the flux linkages and torque performance of the two sets of windings under various conditions verify good magnetic isolation.Finally,prototypes of two different rotor types are manufactured and a series of experiments are performed to validate the analysis.

Overview of the Rectangular Wire Windings AC Electrical Machine

The rectangular wire winding AC electrical machine has drawn extensive attention due to their high slot fill factor,good heat dissipation,strong rigidity and short end-windings,which can be potential candidates for some traction application so as to enhance torque density,improve efficiency,decrease vibration and weaken noise,etc.In this paper,based on the complex process craft and the electromagnetic performance,a comprehensive and systematical overview on the rectangular wire windings AC electrical machine is introduced.According to the process craft,the different type of the rectangular wire windings,the different inserting direction of the rectangular wire windings and the insulation structure have been compared and analyzed.Furthermore,the detailed rectangular wire windings connection is researched and the general design guideline has been concluded.Especially,the performance of rectangular wire windings AC machine has been presented,with emphasis on the measure of improving the bigger AC copper losses at the high speed condition due to the distinguished proximity and skin effects.Finally,the future trend of the rectangular wire windings AC electrical machine is prospected.

An Overview of High-efficiency Synchronous Reluctance Machines

In recent years the synchronous reluctance machines(SynRMs)have received much attention.They have some good features such as high torque density,high reliability and low cost.This paper aims to give an overview of SynRMs with particular emphasis on the history,research status and industrial application.Besides,concept and basic operating principles of such machines are also described.Moreover,some hot spots of the research on the SynRMs are introduced.Several methods to improve the average torque and reduce torque ripple of the SynRMs in the past literatures are presented including topology design and control strategies.An overview of the methods from different aspects to realize high efficiency for the SynRMs is given which contain rotor optimization,winding configuration,material improvement,control schemes and so on.Some approaches suitable for high speed application are also introduced.It can be seen that the SynRMs have broad development prospects and great potential in industrial application.

Optimal Pole Ratio of Spoke-type Permanent Magnet Vernier Machines for Direct-drive Applications

Due to magnetic gearing effects,spoke-type permanent magnet vernier machines(ST-PMVMs)have the merit of high torque density,where an extra torque amplification coefficient,i.e.,pole ratio(the pole-pair ratio of PMs to armature windings)is introduced.However,different from surface-mounted PMVM,the variation of torque against pole ratio in ST-PMVMs is non-linear,which is increased at first and then decreased.This article is devoted to identify the optimal pole ratio of ST-PMVMs by equivalent magnetic circuit model.It is found that except the Prth air-gap magnetomotive force(MMF)harmonic having the same pole-pair of PM,the Path air-gap MMF harmonic having the same pole-pair of armature winding is also induced due to the modulation of doubly salient air-gap structure.The Prth MMF harmonic produces positive torque,while Path MMF harmonic produces negative torque.With the increase of pole ratio,the proportion of Path MMF harmonic as well as negative torque is increased,which reduces the advantages of high pole ratio coefficient.Further,the influence of dimension parameters on the performance of ST-PMVMs under different pole ratio are investigated.Results show that ST-PMVMs with pole ratio 2.6 have high torque density,low cogging torque and high power factor simultaneously.Finally,a prototype is manufactured to validate the analysis.

Message from Editors

IN recent years,4th Industrial Revolution and Industry 4.0 have swept the world and deeply influenced the development of global industry market.This movement arises wide attention to electric motor drive system which is playing an increasing important role in energy consumption transformation and environment protection.Amid this tremendous change in industry field,the concept of high-efficient,energy-saving and intelligent motor system has been proposed.On one hand,motor system with advantages such as low vibration,low noise,weak magnetic interference,renewable utilization capacity,high-efficiency and high-reliability could promote the progress of major industries such as mining,renewable energy and cutting-edged equipment manufacturing.On the other hand,the realization of intelligent and automated operations of motor drive system would help boosting the automation of industrial production.

Message from Editors

TO reap potentially substantial economic and environmental benefits,the transportation industry is now moving towards electrification,with electric vehicle,all or more electric aircraft,high-speed train,subway,ship propulsion,maglev,etc.,being prominent examples.When selecting electric propulsion systems,the cost,reliability,efficiency,maintenance,durability,weight,size,vibration and noise are all considerations,thus bringing great challenges to the design of machines and controllers in electric propulsion systems.Therefore,novel machines and controls in electric propulsion have been hot topics in the last few years。

Milestones, hotspots and trends in the development of electric machines

As one of the greatest inventions of human beings,the electric machine(EM)has realized the mutual conversion between electrical energy and mechanical energy,which has essentially led humanity into the age of electrification and greatly promoted the progress and development of human society.This paper will briefly review the development of EMs in the past two centuries,highlighting the historical milestones and investigating the driving force behind it.With the innovation of theory,the progress of materials and the breakthrough of computer science and power electronic devices,the mainstream EM types has been continuously changing since its appearance.This paper will not only summarize the basic operation principle and performance characteristics of traditional EMs,but also that of the emerging types of EMs.Meanwhile,control and drive system,as a nonnegligible part of EM system,will be complementarily introduced.Finally,due to the background of global emission reduction,industrial intelligentization and transportation electrification,EM industry will usher again in a golden period of development.Accordingly,several foreseeable future developing trends will be analyzed and summarized.

Improved Hybrid Method to Calculate Inductances of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines with Skewed Stators Based on Winding Function Theory

An improved hybrid method combining two dimensional(2D)finite element analysis(FEA)and the analytical method is put forward to calculate the stator winding inductance and synchronous inductance influenced by stator skewing technique.Based on winding function theory(WFT),the improved method proposes two factors to describe variable inductances along the stator skewing angles.Comprehensive simulations are then performed on three interior permanent magnet synchronous machines(IPMSMs),one normal and two skewed machines(half slot and one slot pitch skewing respectively).Extensive experiments are conducted on relevant prototypes with good correlation.Moreover,analysis and comparisons are made as to the influence of different skewing angles on the inductances and torque-speed curves.It is found that Ld increases and Lq decreases by skewing,leading to the reduction of the rotor saliency and maximal torque capability,but increase of the flux weakening capability.