Modelling and Design Optimization of a Small Axialflux Brushless Permanent-Magnet Motor For Electric Traction Purposes

Abstract

This paper presents the modelling and design optimization of an axial-flux brushless permanent-magnet motor with one rotor-two stators configuration. This particular axialflux machine is suitable to traction applications. The reason is that, firstly, fixing of the stators may be arranged reasonably easily; secondly, the topology with two stators is able to operate even if one of its stators is electrically disconnected; thirdly, the axial loading of bearings is small due to the symmetry of the motor structure. A prototype machine was designed and manufactured for verifying the design optimization results.