Modelling and analysis of permanent magnet vernier machine using flexible magnetic equivalent circuit method

Abstract

This paper develops a new model with adjustable accuracy to evaluate performance of permanent magnet Vernier machine (PMVM) based on flexible magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) method. The desired machine parameters such as number of flux modulation poles (FMPs), winding pole-pairs, and geometrical dimensions can be chosen in the presented model. By utilizing nonlinear core magnetization curve, saturation effect is taken into account. There are two main contributions in this study. First, the flexible MEC model is developed to predict the machine performance accurately. The second contribution is that the developed model can be used to evaluate the performance of the machine under no-load and loading conditions at the same time. The results of MEC model under no-load and loading conditions are compared with 2D-finite element method (FEM) and 3D-FEM in terms of accuracy and simulation time. The results indicate acceptable accuracy and suitable processing time of the proposed MEC model.