Optimization and Experimentation of Fault-Tolerant Field Excited Linear Flux Switching Machine With Concentrated and Toroidal Windings for Rail Transportation System

Abstract

In this article two double-sided Field Excited Linear Flux Switching Machines (FELFSM) are analyzed. Both machines share the same robust and compact stator structure with a modular mover design having different winding configurations namely concentrated and toroidal. The proposed machines have a low-cost owing to the lack of rare earth materials, a high fault-tolerant capability due to the modular construction of the mover, and flux controllability due to field current variation. The initial designs are optimized through a genetic algorithm using JMAG software ver. 20.1. to maximize the thrust force and minimize thrust force ripples ratio. After optimization, the average thrust force in Machine I and Machine II is increased by 31.96% and 32.31%, respectively. Additionally, a mathematical model is developed to compute electromagnetic thrust force and fault-tolerant capability. The electromagnetic performance of both machines are compared through 2D FEA. Both analytical and FEA-based designs are verified through experimental validation on the developed prototype. Finally, a coupled electromagnetic-thermal study is carried out, with the temperature of the prototype being visualized experimentally using a Fluke VT04 IR thermometer.