High power density multiple output permanent magnet alternator

Abstract

The power electronic equipment is very much required when the alternator, capable of providing certain voltage level with a certain frequency, has to supply power to the load that needs voltage level or frequency other than the rated voltage and rated frequency of the alternator. At the same time, the power electronic circuit will also become complex if the alternator is to be provided with multiple outputs of different voltages with different frequencies. Therefore, a hybrid flux permanent magnet alternator (PMA) with multiple outputs is proposed in this study by utilising both radial flux permanent magnet (PM) technology and axial flux PM technology. The utilisation of both radial and axial flux PM technologies in the proposed hybrid flux multiple output PMA increases the power density also compared with that of conventional multiple output PMA. A comparison study is carried out between the conventional PMA and proposed hybrid flux multiple output PMA for the same volume and the same is also validated with finite-element method software and prototype testing.