Magnetic equivalent circuit modelling of ring winding axial flux machine

Abstract

This study presents magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model of ring winding axial flux machine (AFM). The ring winding AFM is a new permanent magnet topology that presents many advantages like reliability, simple construction, low cost and ease of increasing pole and phase numbers. For optimal design of this new type of machine, a fast and accurate performance analysis tool is needed. In this regard, MEC model of the ring winding AFM is proposed. It is shown that the developed MEC model of the ring winding AFM provides very fast solution, yet accurate results compared with three-dimensional finite-element model (3D FEM). The proposed MEC model considers 3D geometry, magnetic saturation, leakage fluxes and rotor position. Furthermore, this study provides equations to consider fringing flux between arc segmented surface mounted permanent magnets and stator teeth. Experimental and 3D FEM results are employed to show the validity of the proposed MEC model.