Air Gap Research Articles

Design of a six-phase surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor with application to electric trucks

As we have known, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) have garnered widespread interest across various industrial applications thanks to their advantages such as high efficiency, reliable performance, simple structure, and adaptability to various shapes and sizes. Due to characteristics of the high torque and low speed, the PMSMs make particularly well-suited for traction applications such as trucks, ship propulsion, mining, and more. In this context, a combination of the analytical method and finite element method (FEM) is proposed for designing and simulating a six-phase surface-mounted PMSM. Firstly, a model of the six-phase PMSM is analytically design to make required/main dimensions. The FEM is then applied to analyse and verify electromagnetic parameters such as of the current waveform, back electromagnetic force (EMF), magnetic flux density in the air gap, flux linkage, torque, cogging torque, torque ripple and harmonic components. Via the obtained results, the research will give a contribution of valuable insights for optimizing the design, performance and reliability for this motor in diverse industrial applications.

Cascaded Frequency Selective Surfaces with Matryoshka Geometry for Ultra-Wideband Bandwidth

The purpose of this paper is to present cascaded frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) with matryoshka geometry to increase the effective bandwidth. We carry out an analysis of the influence of the spacing between the surfaces on the FSSs frequency response. The application involves a two-layer cascaded FSS, one as a band-stop filter with a matryoshka geometry and the other as a band-pass filter with inverted or negative matryoshka geometry. With this framework, it is possible to extend an ultra-wideband (UWB) of a bandwidth up to 2 GHz in the 1.8 GHz to 3.8 GHz range with just two layers and an air gap of 12 mm, in addition to a bandwidth of 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz with a smaller 4 mm gap between layers.

Effect of Ferrite Core Modification on Electromagnetic Force Considering Spatial Harmonics in an Induction Cooktop

This study investigates the influence of ferrite shape modifications on the performance and noise characteristics of an induction cooktop. The goal is to optimize the air gap dimensions between ferrites and cookware, enhancing efficiency while managing noise levels. Using finite element method (FEM) simulations, we analyze the spatial distribution of magnetic forces and their harmonics. Eight ferrite shape models were examined, focusing on both outer and inner air gaps. Model #8 (reduced outer air gap) and Model #9 (reduced inner air gap) were experimentally validated. Noise measurements indicated that Model #8 reduced 120 Hz harmonic noise components, while Model #9 increased them due to enhanced excitation forces. Current measurements confirmed that Model #9 achieved higher efficiency, with RMS current reduced to 94.54% of the base model. The study reveals a trade-off between performance and noise: inner air gap reduction significantly boosts efficiency but raises noise levels, whereas outer air gap reduction offers balanced improvements. These findings provide insights for optimizing induction cooktop designs, aiming for quieter operation without compromising efficiency.

Influence of Dual Air Gaps on Flux–Torque Regulation Hybrid Excitation Machine with Axial–Radial Magnetic Circuit

In this paper, a flux–torque regulation hybrid excitation machine (FTRHEM) with axial–radial dual air gaps, which can increase torque and regulate magnetic flux by changing the exciting current, is studied. Dual air gaps have a huge impact on the magnetic flux and additional torque. The effect of the air gap reluctances on the magnetic flux of the machine is obtained by establishing equivalent magnetic network models, which show that the dual air gaps are the key component in the axial–radial magnetic circuit. This study examines the flux regulation ability and the enhanced torque performance of an FTRHEM with dual air gaps. The mechanism by which the dual air gaps affect the machine’s magnetic field is clarified, and the constraints and relationships between the dual air gaps are explained, offering a theoretical foundation for future machine optimization. As the axial air gap decreases from 0.95 mm to 0.35 mm, the flux regulation capability improves from 15.44% to 26.51%, while the additional torque increases by 40.77%. Ultimately, prototypes are manufactured for experimental testing to validate the viability of the structure and the accuracy of the FEA for the FTRHEM featuring an axial–radial magnetic circuit.

Electromagnetic Field and Variable Inertia Analysis of a Dual Mass Flywheel Based on Electromagnetic Control

The moment of inertia of the primary flywheel and the secondary flywheel in a dual mass flywheel (DMF) directly affects the vibration damping performance in an automotive driveline. To enable better minimization of vibration and noise by changing the moment of inertia of the DMF to adjust the frequency characteristics of the automotive driveline, a new variable inertia DMF structure is proposed by introducing electromagnetic devices. The finite element simulation model of the electromagnetic field of an electromagnetic device is established, the electromagnetic field characteristics in the structure are analyzed, and the variation in the electromagnetic force under different air gaps and current conditions is obtained. The electromagnetic force test system of the electromagnetic device is constructed, and the validity of the finite element simulation analysis of the electromagnetic field of the electromagnetic device is verified. A mechanical model of the electromagnetic device is established to analyze the characteristics of the displacement of the moving mass in the structure as well as the variation in the moment of inertia of the DMF at different rotational speeds and currents. The maximum adjustable proportion of its moment of inertia can reach 15.07%. A torsional model of the automotive driveline is established to analyze the effect of variable inertia DMF on the resonance frequency of the system under different currents. The results show that the electromagnetic device introduced in the DMF can realize the active adjustment of the moment of inertia and enable the resonance frequency to decrease with increasing rotational speed, which expands the idea of optimizing the vibration damping performance of the DMF and provides a reference for better control of the torsional vibration of the automobile or other mechanical transmission systems.

An analytical model for a coaxial electromagnetic recuperator considering end effect

A coaxial electromagnetic recuperator (CER), leveraging the principle of tubular permanent magnet linear synchronous motor, has been introduced to mitigate the shortcomings of the traditional recuperator, including low reliability and uncontrollable counter-recoil motion. Firstly, the layout and structural scheme of the CER are presented, with the maximum recuperator force determined through a force analysis of the recoil process. Subsequently, by incorporating a virtual permanent magnet area at both ends of the permanent magnet array, a precise CER analysis model is developed. This model adeptly accounts for the end effect due to magnet length limitations and formulates expressions for air gap flux density, back electromotive force, and electromagnetic thrust. The analytical model’s accuracy is then validated against a finite element model. Finally, the key parameters influencing CER performance were improved, and the overall structure of the CER was refined, significantly enhancing its thrust capabilities.

Methods for the Viscous Loss Calculation and Thermal Analysis of Oil-Filled Motors: A Review

Oil-filled motors (OFMs) are widely used in deep-sea exploration and oil well extraction. During motor operation, the rotor stirs the oil in the air gap, causing viscous loss. Viscous loss affects the temperature distribution inside the motor. Accurately calculating the viscous loss and temperature rise in OFMs can provide a basis for optimizing the motor’s structural design. Motor structural parameters, including the rotor’s outer diameter, air gap, and slot opening, have a significant impact on viscous loss. The working conditions of OFMs, such as rotor speed and environmental temperature, also affect viscous loss. The viscosity of hydraulic oil is highly influenced by temperature, and changes in viscosity can lead to changes in viscous loss. These changes in viscous loss, in turn, alter the temperature distribution. Therefore, the coupling relationship between viscous loss and temperature must be considered. Additionally, when Taylor vortices occur in the fluid, the surface roughness of the rotor also has a significant influence on viscous loss. Currently, both domestic and international research on viscous loss and thermal analysis struggle to simultaneously consider the coupling of viscous loss and the temperature field, rotor surface roughness, and the effect of motor structure. This paper summarizes the methods used in recent years for studying viscous loss and thermal analysis, and puts forward some suggestions for future research on the coupling of the OFM temperature field and viscous loss.

Research on the design and noise reduction performance of periodic noise barriers based on nested structure

The rapid development of highway transportation has led to a gradual deterioration of the sound environment along highways. The theory of periodic structures provides a new approach for the design of traffic noise barriers. However, the lack of practical numerical models and on-site experimental validation has hindered the widespread application of periodic structure sound barriers. This study investigates the noise reduction performance of nested structure periodic sound barriers. Results from semi-anechoic chamber tests demonstrate excellent wave attenuation at the air gap of the barrier, achieving a peak noise reduction of 16 dB without the addition of any sound-absorbing materials or treatment measures, particularly at local peaks in the highway noise spectrum. To enhance the noise reduction performance of nested structure periodic sound barriers, three optimization measures were explored: filling sound-absorbing materials inside the scattering elements, adding micro-perforated panels, and their combined effects. The results indicate that both porous sound-absorbing materials and micro-perforated panels can improve noise reduction effectiveness, especially outside the air gap. In the optimization design of nested structure periodic sound barriers, adding porous sound-absorbing materials inside the micro-perforated panels effectively enhances noise reduction within the air gap. Considering the abundance of abandoned w-beam guardrails in highway projects, which also meet the requirements of scattering elements, this study proposes the use of abandoned w-beam guardrails as scattering elements. This approach aligns with principles of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability, and it provides design guidance to promote the application of nested structure periodic sound barriers in traffic noise control.

Impact of key parameters on the numerical modelling of Phase-Changing phenomena in horizontal latent heat thermal energy storage

Numerous studies have focused on numerical investigations of the performance of the shell-and-tube Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES). However, many studies have often overlooked rigorous assessment of key parameters’ impact on the numerical simulation accuracy relative to experimental results. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a numerical model to track the solid–liquid interface during phase-changing phenomena in a horizontal LHTES system and investigate the effects of key parameters on the simulation accuracy. For this purpose, an experimental facility was built, and the numerical model was developed in ANSYS using the enthalpy-porosity method. During the simulation of the computational model, consideration was given to thermophysical properties (constant versus variable) of phase change material, contact resistance (zero versus nonzero), and the mushy zone constant (105, 5 × 105, and 106). The simulation results were compared with experimental data obtained from the in-house studies. The results showed that, compared to using constant thermophysical properties, employing variable thermophysical properties more accurately tracked the solid–liquid interface during melting. It substantially improved the simulation accuracy with a Root Mean Square (RMS) error less than 5 % for most of the temperature-measuring locations. Conversely, variable properties did not make a significant difference in the solidification process. The contact resistance due to the air gap was determined to be 0.035 m2·K/W for the current study. Furthermore, incorporating this resistance resulted in a more accurate approximation of the solid–liquid interface during melting, with RMS errors below 5 % across all locations. The study comparing different mushy zone constants recommended utilizing a slightly higher value of 106 for melting, whereas its impact on solidification was found to be insignificant.

Contactless thermal diffusivity characterization of second order magnetocaloric materials under magnetic field using modulated photo-thermal radiometry method with very low power probe beam

The thermal diffusivity of magnetocaloric materials has a transition point at a given temperature that depends on the intensity of the applied magnetic field. Consequently, a fine temperature resolution on the material sample is needed to obtain an accurate determination of the thermal diffusivity variation with temperature. The coupling between the external and the internal fields has to be carefully mastered since the pertinent operating condition is fixed by the actual internal field which is not directly measurable and may be heavily affected by any element in contact with the sample. Therefore, contactless methods such as Photo-Thermal Radiometry (PTR) are privileged. The latter is based on a radiative excitation of the front face of a thin sample and the detection of the thermal effect on the opposite face. However, the powerful radiative source may significantly increase the sample temperature which is not suitable for caloric materials. In this work, a low power modulated PTR method is proposed to characterize second order magnetocaloric materials under magnetic field. It was compared to high energy thermo-flash PTR and validated on common materials such as steel and stainless steel, and then applied to gadolinium which is the reference magnetocaloric material for magnetic refrigeration and heat pumping study. The thermal diffusivity of gadolinium samples is measured in the 285.1 K to 305.1 K temperature range, including the magnetic transition temperature without and under an external magnetic flux density of 0.5 T in the 13 mm air gap of the permanent magnet magnetic circuit. The low power probe beam ensures a temperature stability with a negligible sample temperature fluctuation less than 0.05 K on the incident sample surface and less than 0.03 K on the measurement surface. The experimental results without magnetic field align with those using other methods including the magnetic transition temperatures determination. This low-power optical method proved its efficiency to characterize highly temperature dependent materials such as magnetocaloric materials sensitive to magnetic field. The data obtained partly fills the lack of information in the literature on excited gadolinium.

Thrust ripple suppression analysis of moving-magnet-type linear synchronous motor based on independent coil

In this paper, a novel thrust ripple suppression method for multi-secondary permanent magnet synchronous linear motor based on independent coil structure is proposed. Independent coil structure can realize independent power supply for each coil by changing the driving mode of the coils. Combined with the new power supply strategy, the detent and electromagnetic force fluctuation can be suppressed. Firstly, the cogging and end force of moving-magnet-type linear motor are separated by periodic and vector boundary conditions and harmonic analysis is carried out. An analytical model of air gap magnetic field based on virtual magnetic poles is established to solve the back EMF and electromagnetic force fluctuation of the motor. The generation mechanism and harmonic of electromagnetic force fluctuation are analyzed. A multi-secondary PMLSM based on independent coil is proposed, the principle of suppressing motor thrust ripple is expounded, and the coupling effect between modules is analyzed. Finally, a zero-crossing power supply strategy is proposed. The simulation and experimental results show that multi-secondary independent coil PMLSM can effectively suppress the detent and electromagnetic force fluctuation.

Fabrication of cellulose nanocrystals-incorporated dense Janus membranes for enhanced desalination and oily saline wastewater treatment via membrane distillation

Conventional hydrophobic membranes used in membrane distillation (MD) face significant challenges, such as severe membrane fouling and wetting, when treating surfactant-containing oily wastewater. Current strategies to modify surfaces for anti-fouling and anti-wetting purposes are often complex and time consuming, potentially compromising the flux in MD. This study investigates the characteristics and performance of novel fabricated Janus membranes for the treatment of oily hypersaline wastewater in membrane distillation applications. Janus membranes, which have a dense polyamide layer containing cellulose nanocrystal nanoparticles, were synthesized using the reverse interfacial polymerization (R–IP) method on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) substrate. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle (WCA) revealed that the modified Janus membranes exhibited an enhanced hydrophilicity and structural integrity due to the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystal nanoparticles. The fabricated membranes showed a dense surface layer without visible pores or cracks, with micron-scale patterned structures and widely distributed wrinkles, particularly at higher concentrations of cellulose nanocrystal nanoparticles. The desalination performance was evaluated in an air gap membrane distillation setup, where the modified Janus membranes demonstrated higher water vapor fluxes and stable salt rejection, even in the presence of surfactants. The wettability and fouling resistance of the Janus membranes were evaluated, with the PVDF-RIP0.5C membrane showing the highest hydrophilicity and underwater oleophobicity, thereby preventing oil adhesion and membrane fouling. These results underline the potential of Janus membranes with incorporated cellulose nanocrystal nanoparticles for efficient desalination and treatment of oily saline wastewater in the MD process.

Prediction of thermal protection performance and empirical study of flame-retardant cotton based on a combined model

Thermal protection performance (TPP) is an important index to evaluate the performance of firefighting clothing. The purpose of this work is to build a model to predict the TPP values of fabrics with fewer variables. Two properties of flame-retardant cotton were tested with TPP values under different air gaps, and the correlations between these properties were also analyzed. A combined model was established by integrating multivariate nonlinear regression model and gradient boosting regression tree model. Then the combined model was compared with these two single models. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between gram weight and thickness of fabric and TPP value were 0.833 and 0.837, respectively, indicating a strong correlation. The correlation coefficient between air gap and TPP value was 0.304, indicating a weak correlation. In predicting the thermal protective performance of flame-retardant cotton, this study employed a multivariate nonlinear regression model, a Gradient Boosting Regression Tree (GBRT) model, and a combined model. After comparing various evaluation metrics, it was finally decided to adopt the combined model for predicting the thermal protective performance values of flame-retardant cotton. This method improved the prediction accuracy of thermal protective performance, facilitating the promotion and application of the combined model. Furthermore, when exploring the thermal protective performance of flame-retardant cotton, the use of fewer variables to establish the prediction model can not only significantly simplify the complex structure of the model but also greatly enhance the analysis efficiency, ensuring the efficiency and precision of the research process.

CO2 sensing via periodic Array of graphene disks

This work aims to introduce a gas detection structure based on stacked layers of graphene-spacer-metal. The presented structure consists of three stacked layers. The first layer is the periodic arrays of graphene disks on top of a typical dielectric such as TOPAS or KAPTON with a known refractive index. Then the second layer provides an air gap opening room for a sample environment. Finally, the third layer includes the dielectric and a continuous graphene sheet. All the exploited elements are modeled by circuit element while the equivalent impedance of the whole structure is calculated. The impedance matching concept is also exploited to obtain absorption power based on the calculated impedance. Additionally, full-wave simulation is performed to investigate the circuit modeling accuracy. Achieving a perfect match for absorption versus frequency verifies the developed method's robustness. Furthermore, comprehensive and ample simulation results are reported to highlight the sensitivity and reliability of the proposed gas detector.

Experimental and numerical study on a multilayer magnetic field rotary eddy current inertial damper

To improve the output damping force of the eddy current damper, a multilayer magnetic field rotary eddy current inertial damper (MMF-RECID) is proposed. The MMF-RECID is an inerter-based eddy current damper. A prototype device of the MMF-RECID is manufactured and tested, and its mechanical properties are systematically investigated. Firstly, the configuration of the MMF-RECID is described, and the calculation formulas of the axial force are derived. Secondly, an MMF-RECID prototype is designed and fabricated, and the apparent mass and energy dissipation performance under recycled axial loading are investigated. Three-dimensional transient numerical simulations of eddy current damping are conducted using the ANSYS Electronics Desktop. The results show that the eddy current damping force exhibits velocity nonlinearity, and the test results are consistent with the simulation results. Next, the study focuses on parameters influencing the maximum eddy current damping torque generated by the copper plate and the corresponding critical rotating speed. These parameters encompass the number and size of the magnets, the thickness of the copper plate, and the air gap. Finally, the earthquake-reduction effect of a six-degree-of-freedom structure equipped with MMF-RECID is analyzed. This study demonstrates that the ball screw system of MMF-RECID achieves a multiplicative effect of apparent mass and eddy current damping force, the eddy current damping force of a multi-layer magnetic field versus a single-layer magnetic field conforms to the law of linear superposition, and the hysteresis curves are stable. The eddy current damping torque can be improved by increasing the number and size of the magnets, and decreasing the air gap. The thickness of the copper plate significantly affects both the maximum damping torque and the critical speed, and the optimal thickness range is between 2 mm and 4 mm.

Simulation and design of a solar chimney integrated with phase change material layer for building ventilation

The development of modern life requires new energy sources, and one of this energy is renewable solar energy uses in solar chimney for natural ventilation, but at the present time it is not greatly invested, taking into account the weather conditions of the region and the physical characteristics of solar radiation and air in the area in which the study will be conducted. The current study was carried out in Basrah city- Iraq, at longitude 47.749° and latitude 30.568°, where the solar chimney was facing south. The investigation was conducted using both theoretical and experimental studied. In the theoretical study, the solar chimney with the room in the presence and absence of PCM was simulated numerically using the finite volume method using the soft package ANSYS-Fluent/2021/R2. The effect of different tilt angles (α = 30°, 45°, and 60°), solar chimney air gap (gab = 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm), and PCM basin thickness (tPCM = 3 cm, 4 cm, and 5 cm) were investigated. The results were presented in the form of contours of the distribution of streamlines, velocity, temperature, and liquid fraction of the solar chimney with the room, rate of temperature of the absorber plate with time and the rate of temperature of the PCM (TPCM) with time, rate of air change per hour (ACH). As for the experimental side, the device was built, and the intensity of solar radiation was studied for several days on 30 Sep. and 15 Oct. 2023, the temperature distribution rate of the absorbent plate over time, the PCM temperature rate, and the air change per hour (ACH). The theoretical results were compared with the experimental results, where there was good agreement, and the theoretical comparison was also made with several researchers. Significant results showed that the optimal ratio of the air gap width of the solar chimney is 15 cm, the inclination angle of the solar chimney α = 30°, and the thickness of the PCM basin (tPCM = 4 cm) to obtain the maximum ventilation rate. The thickness of the PCM basin = 4 cm gives the largest liquid fraction along time and maximum average temperature of the absorber plate. On the experimental, it was found that PCM convert into the liquid phase after its melting point, which is 340 K, after 12 noon, and the highest value of ACH reached 37 on September 30/2023 at midday.

Improved performance of thermophotovoltaic energy conversion with Tamm plasmon emitters enabled by back gapped reflectors

A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system that can convert thermal radiation from terrestrial heat sources into electricity, plays an important role in energy utilization, waste heat recovery and so on. In order to enhance the conversion efficiency of a TPV system having a narrow-band thermal emitter, we propose to add a back gapped reflector (BGR) to recover more out-of band (OOB) photons. We first design a Tamm plasmon thermal emitter to yield a narrow-band emission peak matching well with the bandgap of the InGaAs cell. Then, we add a BGR on the PV cell to regulate the absorption spectrum of the cell. Results show that, compared to the back surface reflector (BSR), the TPV system with the Au BGR cell has a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE), because more OOB photons are reflected back to the emitter by the Au BGR cell, so that the absorbed power by the cell decreases while the output power is improved. Due to the contribution of recycled OOB photons, at 1500 K, a 1.7 % OOB reflectance gain of the BGR (h = 0.2 μm, t = 1.2 μm) can actually increase the PCE by about 4 %. In addition, a thin PV cell and an appropriately thick air gap layer of 0.4–0.6 μm are suggested to obtain a high η × Pout. The PCE of the TPV system based on the Tamm plasmon emitter is higher and becomes saturated at a lower temperature than the broad-band SiC emitter. This work may facilitate high-performance TPV energy conversion.

Dynamic analysis of multi-module floating photovoltaic platforms with composite mooring system by considering tidal variation and platform configuration

Floating Photovoltaics (FPV) are emerging as an innovative technology to utilizing solar energy which advances the exploration of renewable energy technologies in the deep sea. This investigation proposes a novel methodology to verify the feasibility of the designed models in time-domain analysis via the motion responses, the mooring analysis based on the finite element method (FEM) and the airgap analysis, considering a comparison of dynamic responses between the regular hexagon shape and rectangle shape semi-submersible floating photovoltaic platform (FPVP) both combinate the cables and the tensioners mooring system to adapt the tidal variation. Initially, the response amplitude operators (RAOs) of the two configurations of the FPVP numerical models established in AQWA are derived from the frequency-domain analysis. Then, the method of rectifying the RAOs by incorporating additional damping essential to compensating the fluid viscosity due to the limitation of the potential flow theory is verified through comparison with the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver. Subsequently, the motion responses of the two conceptualized FPVPs with the composite mooring system under different depths of water are assessed in time-domain analysis through OrcaFlex which regards the cables and tensioners as Morison type based on the FEM theory. Simultaneously, the variations in the air gap of platforms with dissimilar stiffness tensioners are compared to assess the safety of FPV systems under different water depths. The long-term extreme forecast of effective tension force for various return periods derived from the Weibull distribution model is verified. Finally, considering the factors that influence the design and safety of multi-module floating photovoltaics in variable-depth water, this study provides essential guidance for the safe construction technology of semi-submersible FPVPs, serves as a valuable reference for promoting reliable and cost-effective FPV technologies for offshore environments.

Experimental recurrence of an unreported fire risk of power cable: Discharge of bracket cable metallic grounding under coupled vibration conditions

In environments like bridges and tunnels, power cables are laid on metal brackets (hereinafter referred to as bracket cables). If the aluminum sheath and metal bracket form a metallic grounding fault, the air gap near the contact point may bear an intermittent discharge under the cable vibration, which is a potential source of cable fires. However, current research on cable grounding systems does not focus on analyzing the physical metallic grounding process. Discharge from coupled vibrations has been overlooked. This study accomplished the experimental recurrence of discharge at the metallic grounding point of cables under coupled vibration. According to the experimental observations, intermittent electric sparks and AC arc occur with the contact and separation of the aluminum sheath and the metal bracket due to vibrations. Under coupled vibration conditions, metallic grounding faults in cables pose a risk of causing cable fires.

Analysis of factors influencing the performance of radial electrodynamic bearing with radial air gap between permanent magnets using response surface methodology

Analysis of factors influencing the performance of radial electrodynamic bearing with radial air gap between permanent magnets using response surface methodology