Three-dimensional electromagnetic analysis and design of permanent magnet retarder

Abstract

An eddy current retarder for vehicles generates much heat when it works continuously, which leads to serious decline in braking torque. This paper proposes a novel permanent magnet retarder (PMR) for vehicles, whose cooling system connects with engine cooling-water. A three-dimensional finite element model is developed to model the electromagnetic behavior of a permanent magnet retarder under a constant speed. The magnetic field and eddy current field in PMR are numerically solved by a finite element method. By accounting for the nonlinear permeability of the rotor and the weakened effect in the magnetic field that is generated by the eddy current magnetic field, the calculation accuracy of air-gap magnetic field is enhanced. Experiment shows that the temperature of the retarder is less than 150°C, and the braking torque keeps the hard characteristics curve. The calculated air-gap magnetic flux density is fairly good agreement with the measured one.