Development of a Hybrid Analytical Model for a Fast Computation of Magnetic Losses and Optimization of Coaxial Magnetic Gears

Abstract

This paper focuses on a two-dimensional (2-D) analytical model for a fast computation of magnetic losses due to eddy currents in the permanent magnets as well as iron losses in the ferromagnetic parts within coaxial magnetic gears. The magnetic field distribution is computed in yokes and permanent magnets by solving both Maxwell's equations, whereas for pole pieces, the magnetic field is computed by coupling the previous analytical model with a reluctance network model. Both the eddy current losses and iron losses are determined from this hybrid analytical model. The iron loss model takes into account the temporal and spatial variations of flux density. The eddy current loss model takes into account the magnet splitting. Results of this magnetostatic eddy current loss model are then compared to the results obtained with a 2-D magnetodynamic finite element model. A verification of validity limits is also proposed. The final function of this analytical model is to ensure integration into a set of models in the aim of a global mechatronic optimization of magnetic gears, for their insertion into multimegawatt wind turbines. A preliminary bi-objective, mass-efficiency optimization protocol is subsequently proposed along with an analysis of the computation time reduction via the presented models.