Novel Dual-Stator Switched-Flux Memory Machines With Hybrid Magnets

Abstract

In this paper, novel dual-stator switched-flux hybrid magnet machines (DS-SF-HMMMs) are proposed. Two sets of armature winding are employed so as to improve the space utilization and torque density. Meanwhile, two kinds of permanent magnets (PMs), i.e., neodymium–iron–boron and low-coercive-force magnets, are placed on either a common stator or separate stators. The proposed machines can provide the merits of high torque density in DS machines, and excellent flux adjusting capability in memory machines. The topologies and operating principle of the DS-SF-HMMMs having different PM arrangements are introduced and highlighted, respectively. In order to overcome the drawbacks of the original “U”-shaped PM type, two alternate designs are presented to increase the copper area in the inner stator and facilitate the manufacturability. In addition, the equivalent magnetic circuits for various machine models are formulated to reveal the field regulation principle. Then, the electromagnetic characteristics of various available DS-SF-HMMMs are evaluated and compared by the finite-element (FE) method. The stator/rotor pole combinations of the selected machine are analytically optimized in order to maximize the torque density. Finally, two prototypes are manufactured and tested to verify the FE analyses.