Permanent Magnet Magnetization Research Articles

Analytical Modeling and Analysis of Permanent-Magnet Motor with Demagnetization Fault

Factors such as insufficient heat dissipation and excessively high temperature can easily lead to demagnetization of the PMs in permanent-magnet (PM) motors. As a result, the magnetic field distribution of the motor will not be uniform, producing fault harmonics and lowering the operational performance of the motor. An essential stage in the diagnosis of faults and the monitoring of motor condition is the establishment of an accurate model of motors with demagnetization faults. In this paper, demagnetization faults are modeled by changing the Fourier coefficients in the Fourier expansion of the magnetization of PMs. This model can be used to determine the motor performance under various types of demagnetization, including radial air gap flux density, back electromotive force (EMF), and torque. On this basis, the corresponding relationship between the demagnetization degree and the fault signature is established, to provide a theoretical foundation for the subsequent demagnetization fault diagnosis. The finite element analysis (FEA) verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed analytical model. The modeling method proposed in this paper can be applied to PM motors with PMs having different magnetization directions and shapes because it is based on the demagnetization region of PMs.

Multi-material topology optimization of permanent magnet synchronous motors

This paper presents a multi-material topology optimization for the design of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). Specifically, structural shapes of permanent magnet (PM) and iron core in a PMSM rotor are simultaneously designed together with the orientation of PM magnetization. For a co-design of PM and iron core, relative permeability and residual magnetic flux density are interpolated by the three-field density approach based on the Helmholtz filtering and regularized Heaviside step function. Here, the Helmholtz filtering aims to attain smooth border in design results, and the Heaviside function enables us to acquire a clear border (i.e. zero-one design) without intermediate densities. The optimization goal is set as maximizing the average torque of PMSMs. The average torque is calculated by Maxwell stress tensor (MST) method considering a maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed multi-material topology optimization approach, a PMSM rotor with 4 poles and 12 slots is designed. In addition, design results at various settings of input current amplitude and PM strength are compared and discussed. When the input current is stronger than the PM strength, rotor PM and iron core are designed for utilizing both PM and reluctance torque components like V-shape interior PMSMs. On the other hand, in the case of stronger PM strength, PM is designed near the air-gap, which utilizes only PM torque component like surface PMSMs.

Analytical Sub-Domain Model for Magnetic Field Computation in Segmented Permanent Magnet Switched Flux Consequent Pole Machine

Computational complexity, magnetic saturation, complex stator structure and time consumption due to repeated iteration compels researchers to adopt alternate analytical model for initial design of electric machines especially Switched Flux Machine (SFM). To overcomes the abovesaid demerits, In this article alternate analytical sub-domain model (SDM) for magnetic field computation in Segmented PM switched flux consequent pole machine (SPMSFCPM) with flux bridge and flux barriers accounting boundary and interface conditions, radial magnetized PMs (RM-PMs) and circumferential magnetized PMs (CM-PMs), interaction between stator slots and inner/outer rotor topologies is proposed. Overall field domain is divided into air gap, stator slots and Permanent Magnet (PM) accounting influence of CM/RM-PMs under no-load and on-load conditions. Analytical expression of field domain is obtained by solving magnetic vector potential utilizing Maxwell’s equations. Based on the magnetic field computation especially no-load and on-load condition, Magnetic Flux Density (MFD) components, open-circuit flux linkage, mechanical torque and cogging torque are computed utilizing Maxwell Stress Tensor (MST) method. Moreover, developed analytical SDM is validated with globally accepted Finite Element Analysis (FEA) utilizing JMAG Commercial FEA Package v. 18.1 which shows good agreement with accuracy of ~98%. Hence, authors are confident to propose analytical SDM for initial design of SPMSFCPM to suppress computation time and complexity and eliminate requirements of expensive hardware and software tools.

An improved model for performances calculation in spoke-type permanent-magnet machines considering magnetization orientation and finite soft-magnetic material permeability

PurposeIn semi-analytical modeling of spoke-type permanent-magnet (PM) machines (STPMM), the saturation effect is usually neglected (i.e. iron parts are considered to be infinitely permeable) and the PM magnetization is assumed tangential (i.e. magnetization pattern is considered to be tangential-parallel). This paper aims to present an improved two-dimensional (2D) subdomain technique for STPMM with the PM magnetization orientation in quasi-Cartesian coordinates by using hyperbolic functions considering non-homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions (BCs) in non-periodic regions and by applying the interfaces conditions (ICs) in both directions (i.e. t- and θ edges ICs).Design/methodology/approachThe polar coordinate system is transformed into a quasi-Cartesian coordinate system. The rotor and stator regions are divided into primary subdomains, and a partial differential equation (PDE) is assigned to each subdomain. In the PM region, the magnetization orientation is considered in the equations. By applying BCs, the general solution of the equations is determined, and by applying the ICs, the corresponding coefficients are determined.FindingsUsing the proposed coordinate system, the general solution of PDEs and their coefficients can mathematically be simplified. The magnetic field and non-intrinsic unbalanced magnetic forces (UMF) calculations have been performed for three different values of iron core relative permeability (200, 800 and ∞), as well as different magnetization orientation values (135 and 80 degrees). The semi-analytical model based on the subdomain technique is compared with those obtained by the 2D finite-element analysis (FEA). Results disclose that the PM magnetization angle can affect directly the performance characteristics of the STPMM.Originality/valueA new model for prediction of electromagnetic performances in the STPMM takes into account magnetization direction, and soft magnetic material relative permeability in a pseudo-Cartesian coordinate system by using subdomain technique is presented.

Development of Brushless Claw Pole Electrical Excitation and Combined Permanent Magnet Hybrid Excitation Generator for Vehicles

Aiming at the problems of large excitation loss and low power generation efficiency of silicon rectifier generators and the unstable output voltage of permanent magnet (PM) generators, a hybrid excitation generator (HEG) with suspended brushless claw pole electrical excitation rotor (EER) and combined magnetic pole PM rotor is proposed in the present work. With only one fractional slot winding stator, the generator adopts PM field as the main magnetic field and electrical excitation field as the auxiliary magnetic field, which not only retains the advantages of high efficiency of PM generators but also effectively reduces excitation consumption. The main structure parameters and the design method were analyzed, and a simulation analysis of no-load magnetic field distribution and flux regulation ability was carried out using finite element software to verify the rationality of the hybrid excitation parallel magnetic circuit design. Moreover, the no-load, load, regulation, and voltage regulation characteristics of the designed generator were tested, and the results show that the designed generator has a wide range of voltage regulation, which can ensure stable output voltage under variable speed and load conditions.

Topology optimization for three-dimensional design of segmented permanent magnet arrays

This paper proposes a topology optimization formulation for the three-dimensional (3-D) design of segmented permanent magnet (PM) arrays. Specifically, the proposed formulation aims to find an optimal 3-D structural topology of PM segments and their discrete magnetization directions. To achieve this, a design variable is defined in the vector form of a Cartesian coordinate system. The magnitude of the design variable vector determines a PM density, and the directional cosines of the vector determine PM magnetization directions. To acquire a segmented PM design with discrete magnetization directions, a PM strength penalization scheme is proposed. In this scheme, a PM strength is controlled using a minimum distance function between a magnetization direction and target discrete directions. Here, the minimum distance function is approximated using the p-norm for sensitivity calculation. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed formulation, three design examples are provided. In the first example, a two-dimensional (2-D) dipole Halbach cylinder is designed to confirm that the proposed formulation can be applied for a 2-D design problem. The second example aims to design 3-D dipole PM arrays with a cuboid cavity. In the third example, a 3-D PM arrays are designed for maximizing the magnetic force acting on a soft ferromagnetic material.

Design Optimization of Improved Halbach Tubular Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motor with Less Permanent Magnet

To reduce the permanent magnet (PM) usage and cost, the improved Halbach tubular permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (IH-TPMLSM), which has unequal thickness of the radial and axial magnetized PMs located in the mover, is developed in this paper. Taking the maximum average thrust as the optimization objective, the single-step optimization method based on sensitivity analysis is used to optimize motor under the same current density by finite element (FE) analysis. The influence of the pole-pitch τ on the detent force is analyzed. According to the comparison of optimized TPMLSMs, the results show that when pole-pitch τ = 30.5mm and the full-pitched winding disposition τs = 31.5mm, the detent force is reduced by 55.87%. Finally, the open-circuit back EMF, air gap flux density, the thrust of the IH-TPMLSM and the quasi Halbach TPMLSM (QH-TPMLSM) are compared. The quantity of PMs of the IH-TPMLSM is 15.27% lower and the average thrust is 4.01% higher than that of QH-TPMLSM. Meanwhile the thrust ripple is reduced by 36.12%.

Electrical Machine Permanent Magnets Health Monitoring and Diagnosis Using an Air-Gap Magnetic Sensor

This study proposes a magnetic sensor design and application for monitoring the health of rotor magnets in permanent magnet (PM) electrical machines through in-situ observation of the air-gap magnetic flux density. The reported device employs the concept of Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) strain sensing fusion with magnetostrictive material to deliver a machine stator slot wedge integrated sensor that allows straightforward installation and retrofit with no invasive action to core elements of the machine. The sensing theory, design, prototyping, calibration and installation of the proposed magnetic sensing scheme are detailed in the paper. The sensor was installed into an inverter driven surface mount PM synchronous machine (SPMSM) and its performance for in-situ observation of rotor PM magnetization conditions validated in a range of healthy and demagnetised PM conditions tests. The obtained experimental data demonstrate the reported device's capability to enable recognition of rotor PMs' magnetisation level and thus their health monitoring. Finally, a fault index is proposed and experimentally validated that allows the application of in-situ magnetic sensor measurements for relative quantification of PM demagnetization fault severity.

Demagnetization Analysis of Interior Permanent Magnet Machines Under Integrated Charging Operation

Integrated battery charging (IBC)—multiplexing the motor windings as line inductors for charging electric vehicle battery packs—can improve the onboard charging capability without increasing the weight and cost. However, during the charging operation, currents flowing in the stator winding definitely generate a magnetic field, which may demagnetize the permanent magnets (PMs) in the PM traction motors. In this paper, the demagnetization effects of IBC current on magnets in interior PM machines are compressively investigated. In this paper, a recursive algorithm to update the PM magnetization states by using a parallelogram hysteresis model at different demagnetization levels is applied. The PM temperature is also considered for establishing this model. By coupling this algorithm to the finite element analysis, the demagnetization transit at different demagnetization levels can be assessed. By decomposing the flux density of each node within the magnets along its magnetization direction, irreversible demagnetization can be accurately evaluated. Impacts from both the pulsating and rotating demagnetization magnetic fields during the IBC operation are assessed and compared.

Stepwise Magnetization Control Strategy for DC-Magnetized Memory Machine

A memory machine (MM) equipped with hybrid permanent magnets (PMs), i.e., NdFeB and low coercive force PMs, exhibits acceptable torque capability at low speeds and high efficiency at high speeds. Previous literatures have addressed that the constant power speed range (CPSR) of MMs can be further extended by online PM flux control and the requirement of the flux-weakening (FW) inverter current can be reduced as well. Nevertheless, how to coordinate the d -axis vector FW and PM magnetization control over a whole operating range in a reasonable manner remains unreported. Therefore, this paper proposes and implements a stepwise magnetization control strategy on a dc-magnetized MM based on the operating characteristics under various PM magnetization states and speed ranges. The configuration, principle, and mathematical model of the investigated machine are introduced first. Then, the proposed control strategy is established by dividing the operating envelop into several FW regions and an appropriate FW control scheme is utilized at each stage. It demonstrates that the CPSR can be effectively extended by simply applying the demagnetizing current pulses in several steps. This simplifies the control efforts considerably without resorting to continuous PM flux control and frequent actions of the switching devices. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by experimental results.

Comparative Study of Consequent-Pole and Hybrid-Pole Permanent Magnet Machines

This paper presents a novel consequent-pole permanent magnet (PM) (CPM) machine featuring N-S-iron sequences. In order to enhance the output torque and efficiency, the flux barriers are employed to improve the magnetic symmetry and reduce the saturation of the stator yoke. The tangential magnetized PMs are embedded in the flux barriers to form the hybrid-pole PM (HPM) machine, which further improves the output torque and efficiency. The rotor of the proposed CPM and HPM machines, as well as its conventional counterpart which employing N-iron sequences, are optimized by finite element analysis. Furthermore, the electromagnetic performances of the proposed machines, including the open-circuit airgap flux density, back EMF, average torque, torque ripple, efficiency, flux-weakening capability, unbalanced magnetic force, and unipolar leakage flux, are compared with the conventional CPM machine. It is demonstrated that the proposed HPM machine can obtain almost equivalent torque, efficiency, and better flux-weakening capability when compared to the conventional one. Moreover, the proposed HPM machine has no unipolar leakage flux in the end region, and thus the magnetization of the mechanical components can be effectively reduced. Finally, a 9-slot/8-pole HPM machine is prototyped and measured to validate the analyses.

Reduction of Torque Ripple in Consequent-Pole Permanent Magnet Machines Using Staggered Rotor

Consequent-pole permanent magnet (CPM) machines have considerable potential for low-cost applications because they can improve the permanent magnet (PM) utilization ratio. However, the phase back electromotive force (EMF) of CPM machines with Ns /( mt ) = odd ( t is the greatest common divisor of the stator slot number Ns and the rotor pole-pair number p , and m is the phase number) is asymmetric, i.e., the phase back EMF has even-order harmonics, which will increase torque ripples. This paper utilized the staggered rotor to eliminate the even-order harmonics and reduce the cogging torque of CPM machines, thereby potentially decreasing torque ripples considerably. The axial flux barrier in the middle of the rotor was used and optimized using three-dimensional finite element (FE) analysis to reduce the axial leakage flux of the CPM machine with the proposed staggered rotor. Furthermore, the axial magnetized PM was embedded in the flux barrier, which improved the flux density of the airgap above the iron-pole and, consequently, further increased the output torque. The electromagnetic performance of the proposed machine, including the open-circuit airgap flux density, back EMF, average torque, torque ripples, and PM utilization, was compared with that of the conventional CPM machine. Results showed that the proposed machine obtained a similar torque and PM utilization ratio but a much lower torque ripple compared with the conventional one.

Comparison of End Effect in Series and Parallel Hybrid Permanent-Magnet Variable-Flux Memory Machines

Hybrid permanent-magnet (PM) variable-flux memory (VFM) machines employ both high coercive force PM, i.e., the constant PM (CPM), and low coercive force PM, i.e., the variable PM (VPM). The high energy-product CPM guarantees the benefits of high torque density of the conventional PM machines, while the PM magnetization state of the VPM is flexibly regulated to match various operation requirements. In fact, the two kinds of PMs can be magnetically connected in either parallel or series, with which the machine characteristics are quite different. In this paper, based on the two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite-element analyses, a pair of VFM machines with parallel and series connections, respectively, are investigated with specific reference to identify their difference in end effects. The comparison results show that the series hybrid PM VFM machine suffers more serious end leakage flux. The prototype machines are manufactured and tested to validate the analyses and predictions.

Comparative Study on Variable Flux Memory Machines With Parallel or Series Hybrid Magnets

Variable flux memory (VFM) permanent magnet (PM) machines exhibit an additional degree of freedom for control, i.e., PM magnetization state, and thus excellent flux controllability. Moreover, the hybrid PM topologies having variable PM (VPM) with low coercive force and constant PM (CPM) with high coercive force at the same time are employed to improve the torque density and the flux controllability. The parallel and series connections between the two different kinds of PMs are both feasible. Based on equivalent magnetic circuits, two-dimensional finite element analyses and experiments, the VFM machines with these two connection types are investigated and compared in this paper. The results reveal that the VPM with series-connected CPM is beneficial for more stable working point and higher torque density. A pair of VFM prototypes with parallel and series hybrid PMs are manufactured and tested to validate the analyses.

Analytical magnetic field prediction of flux switching machine with segmental rotor

To deeply study the segmental rotor flux switching machine (SRFSM), an analytical subdomain model is first developed to achieve the magnetic field distribution and electromagnetic performance such as back-electromotive force (EMF), cogging torque, electromagnetic torque, unbalanced magnetic pull, and eddy current losses in the permanent magnet (PM) and rotor support. Then, the number of rotor segments is determined according to the magnetic field modulation theory, and the effect of rotor segment number on the amplitude and total harmonic distortion of speed-normalised back-EMF is investigated as well. Using the proposed analytical model, the magnetic field regulation capacity and PM demagnetisation withstand capacity of the series and parallel hybrid excited SRFSMs are investigated and compared. The PM and parallel hybrid excited SRFSM prototype machines with 12 stator slots and 7 rotor segments are manufactured and tested to validate the proposed analytical model.

Comparative Study of Hybrid PM Memory Machines Having Single- and Dual-Stator Configurations

In this paper, the memory flux principle is extended to switched flux structures, forming two newly emerged switched flux memory machines (SFMMs) with single-stator (SS) and dual-stator (DS) configurations. Two types of permanent magnets (PMs), i.e., NdFeB and low coercive force PMs, are located in the stationary part. Thus, the developed machines can achieve easy online PM magnetization control, excellent air-gap flux control, and acceptable torque capability. In order to address the issue about the limited stator space encompassing dual PMs and magnetizing coils in the SS-SFMM, a DS design is further developed, where all excitations are placed on a separate inner stator to improve the torque density. A comparative study between the SFMMs with SS and DS structures is established. The investigated machine topologies and operating principle are described first based on a “U”-shaped hybrid PM arrangement, and the PM sizing of the DS machine is optimized with a simplified magnetic circuit model. In addition, the electromagnetic characteristics of the SFMMs with SS and DS structures are investigated and compared by a finite-element (FE) method. The FE results are validated by the experiments on two fabricated prototypes.

Multi-Material Topology Optimization of Magnetic Actuator With Segmented Permanent Magnets

This paper proposes the multi-material topology optimization for the simultaneous design of segmented permanent magnet (PM) arrays, coil, and iron materials in magnetic actuators. Specifically, the proposed approach can find the optimal layout and shape of PM, coil, and iron materials, as well as the optimal border and magnetization direction of segmented PM arrays. For designing the layout and shape of actuator components, the discrete material optimization-type material interpolation scheme is employed in this paper. To attain the design of segmented PM arrays, an orientation design variable in Cartesian coordinate is utilized with the penalization scheme for the discrete PM magnetization directions. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed actuator design approach, two numerical examples are presented. In the examples, the actuator components (i.e., segmented PM arrays, coil winding, and back iron) are designed aiming for maximizing the magnetic force magnitude acting on the actuator plunger.

Influence of PM Coating on PM Magnetization State Estimation Methods Based on Magnetoresistive Effect

Variable flux permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSMs) (VF-PMSMs) are gaining importance, especially in automotive applications. The use of such machines will require the development of methods to estimate the permanent-magnet (PM) magnetization state. PM magnetization state estimation methods reported in literature include back-electromagnetic (EMF) compatibility and high-frequency signal injection. One advantage of high-frequency signal injection methods is that they can operate over the whole speed range, with practically no interference with the regular operation of the machine. Magnetization estimation using high-frequency injection relies on the variation of the d- axis high-frequency inductance with the saturation produced by the magnets. Alternatively, the changes of the magnet electrical resistance due to the magnetoresistive effect can also be used for this purpose. These methods have been tested with different materials, including NdFeB, AlNiCo, and SmCo magnets. NdFeB magnets are usually protected from oxidation using NiCuNi coating. However, NiCuNi also shows magnetoresistance effect and can therefore affect the performance of the method when used with magnets having NiCuNi coating. This paper studies the effects of PM coating on the performance of methods, which estimate the magnetization state of the magnet using the magnetoresistance effect by means of high-frequency signal injection. The analysis will include NdFeB, AlNiCo, and SmCo magnets.

Design and Analysis of a Hybrid Permanent Magnet Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor Considering Magnetic Saliency and PM Usage

This paper proposes a new hybrid permanent magnet (PM)-assisted synchronous reluctance motor, where two types of PM materials of rare-earth PMs and ferrite PMs are employed in its rotor. To reduce the usage of rare-earth materials, a hierarchical design method is adopted in its rotor design, in which the design is divided into two levels: saliency ratio design level and PM usage design level. In saliency ratio design level, proper flux barrier dimensions are confirmed based on the principle of reluctance torque maximization. In PM usage design level, the optimal magnet ratio is first determined according to the relationship of main flux and leakage flux. Then, a tradeoff design is conducted to seek the superior combination of low torque ripple, high efficiency, and high power factor. Finally, for the purpose of validation, the electromagnetic performances of the new designed motor are investigated, including torque characteristics and antidemagnetization capabilities of ferrite.

A variable-mode stator consequent pole memory machine

In this paper, a variable-mode concept is proposed for the speed range extension of a stator-consequent-pole memory machine (SCPMM). An integrated permanent magnet (PM) and electrically excited control scheme is utilized to simplify the flux-weakening control instead of relatively complicated continuous PM magnetization control. Due to the nature of memory machine, the magnetization state of low coercive force (LCF) magnets can be easily changed by applying either a positive or negative current pulse. Therefore, the number of PM poles may be changed to satisfy the specific performance requirement under different speed ranges, i.e. the machine with all PM poles can offer high torque output while that with half PM poles provides wide constant power range. In addition, the SCPMM with non-magnetized PMs can be considered as a dual-three phase electrically excited reluctance machine, which can be fed by an open-winding based dual inverters that provide direct current (DC) bias excitation to further extend the speed range. The effectiveness of the proposed variable-mode operation for extending its operating region and improving the system reliability is verified by both finite element analysis (FEA) and experiments.