Axial-Flux-Machine Modeling With the Combination of FEM-2-D and Analytical Tools

Abstract

This paper deals with the development of analysis tools for axial-flux permanent-magnet machines. Normally, the study of this kind of machine involves three-dimensional (3-D) finite element method (FEM) (FEM-3-D) due to the 3-D nature of the magnetic problem. As it is widely known, the FEM-3-D software could take too much time, and both definition and solving processes of the problem may be very arduous. In this paper, a novel analysis procedure for axial-flux synchronous machines is proposed. This method consists in the combination of 2-D FEM simulations with analytical models based on the Fourier-series theory. The obtained results prove that the proposed method could be a very interesting option in terms of time and accuracy.Index Terms-Analytic models, axial-flux machines, finite element method (FEM), Fourier series.

Sizing of Wind Powered Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Alternator Using Analytical Approach

“…General purpose voltage equations for axial flux machines have been provided in [19].The alternator is designed utilizing axial flux distribution system with the configuration known as "Double-Rotor Single-Stator" topology. Axial flux machines can well be modeled using FEA [14], however, the analytical solution presented fares well in understanding the basic principle of the design approach.…”

“…The noise and vibration they produce are less than those of conventional machines [12]. Axial-flux machines have now been adopted as the solution for certain applications such as electric traction or elevation [14] due to its advantages. Varieties of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet (AFPM) Machines have been presented in [1,13,15] with some notable advantages such as compact machine construction and short frame, hence, smaller in size than their radial flux counterparts [15]; high power density; high efficiency [16] since there is no rotor copper losses due to the permanent-magnet excitations; more robust structure than cylindrical type; can be designed to have a higher power-toweight ratio resulting in less core material and higher efficiency [7,[15][16][17][18], the compactness and disk-shaped profile make these type of machines particularly suitable for mechanical integration with wind turbines [11].…”

Influence of Slot Openings and Tooth Profile on Cogging Torque in Axial-Flux PM Machines

“…The main set back with quasi 3-D FEA is the determination of the necessary number of slices. It is also a tedious exercise to prepare the different slices for the 2-D FEA analyses [23], [33].…”

“…It is fast and versatile in comparison to the 3-D FEA method, hence, it is applicable to optimization algorithms in the design of 3-D machines. Analytical 2-D and quasi 3-D analyses of axial-flux machines are reviewed in [28], whereas [15], [29], [33], [34] and [35] are specific to analytical quasi 3-D analysis.…”

“…A single 2-D or 3-D FEA simulation is often used to account for end-effects as proposed in [33], [34] and [35]. In [15], an analytic expression dependent on the machine parameters is proposed but not explicitly defined.…”