Performance Analysis of a Coreless Axial-Flux PMSM by an Improved Magnetic Equivalent Circuit Model

Abstract

In this paper, an improved magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model of a coreless axial-flux permanent-magnet synchronous machine (AFPMSM) with printed circuit board (PCB) winding is presented, which considers the curvature effect, fringing effect, leakage flux, and rotor yoke's magnetic saturation. The axial air-gap flux density distribution, no-load back electromotive force, winding inductances, and electromagnetic torque are predicted by the proposed MEC model. The steady-state performances of the machine under heavy load, as well as the dynamic response of the machine with a connected voltage source and mechanical load, are calculated. All the results obtained from the proposed model are in good agreement with those issued from the 3D finite element method (FEM). The computation time of the proposed model is greatly reduced compared to 3D FEM. Finally, a coreless AFPMSM prototype with a PCB stator is manufactured, and experiments are carried out to verify the predicted results.