Finite element analysis of a modular brushless wound rotor synchronous machine

Abstract

This study presents a comparative study of different modular brushless wound rotor synchronous machines (MB-WRSM) using non-overlapping fractional slot double-layer concentrated windings. The goal of the study is to highlight the structure which offers the best fault-tolerance capability and the highest output performance. The fundamental winding factor is calculated by using the method based on voltage phasors as a significant criterion to select the preferred numbers of phases, stator slots, and poles. With the limited number of poles for a small machine (3.67 kW/7000 rpm), 15 different machines for different phase/slot/pole combinations are analysed using two- dimensional (2D) finite element method and compared according to three criteria: torque density, torque ripple, and machine efficiency. The seven-phase/seven-slot/six-pole machine is chosen with the best compromise of high torque density, small torque ripple (3.89%), and high nominal efficiency (95%). This machine is then compared with a reference design surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SM-PMSM). The simulation results are discussed and demonstrate that the MB-WRSM presents interesting performance features, such as extended field weakening range, with overall performance closely matching that of an equivalent SM-PMSM.