Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine Research Articles

Design and Analysis of Permanent-Magnet Vernier Machine for Direct-Driven Wind Power Generator Considering Pole-Slot Combinations

Wind power turbines have increasingly attracted attention as a renewable energy source. Gearboxes in wind turbines reduce their efficiency, require periodic maintenance, and result in gearbox failure. Consequently, direct-driven generators with a high torque density have emerged as an alternative because they transmit the high torque of the wind turbine directly. Permanent-magnet vernier machines (PMVMs) possess a simple and robust structure and significantly high torque density at low speeds. Although various topologies and pole-slot combinations of PMVMs have been considered to enhance their performance, studies on fractional-slot distributed-winding PMVMs (FSDW PMVMs) remain limited compared with those on fractional-slot concentrated-winding PMVMs (FSCW PMVMs). In this study, we designed eight models, including permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs), FSDW, and FSCW PMVMs for direct-driven wind power generators. Their performances in terms of torque density, torque ripple, losses, and power factor were compared and verified using finite element analysis. The FSDW PMVM was proposed as the best model for direct-driven wind power generators based on the torque density, torque ripple, and possibility of performance improvement.

Sensorless Control Strategy of Novel Axially Magnetized Vernier Permanent-Magnet Machine

Vernier permanent-magnet machines have been attracted more and more attention because of their high torque density. In this paper, the sensorless control strategy of the novel axially magnetized Vernier permanent-magnet (AMVPM) machine is presented. First, the inductance non-linearity is investigated under different load conditions. Second, the mathematical model is established in cooperation with the finite element method. After that, the back electromotive force based sensorless control strategy is developed according to the state equation of the motor. In the sensorless drive, the model reference adaptive system (MRAS) technique incorporated with the inductance non-linearity is used for the speed estimation. The modified control strategy not only increases the stability but also improves the dynamic response of the system. Finally, the simulation results show that the modified MRAS is of high estimation precision, and the AMVPM machine can be well controlled, and the experimental results validated the theoretical design process.

Prospect of PM Vernier Machine for Wind Power Application

This paper investigates the prospect of permanent magnet vernier machine (PMVM) technology for wind power applications. Two types of PMVMs are defined based on the winding arrangements and resultant gear ratio ranges. A comprehensive design study of the selected PMVM topologies is conducted at 1 and 3 MW power levels. The optimized candidate designs of the PMVMs are then evaluated and also compared against the equivalent permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) in terms of performance, costs, size and mass. While the existing research publications mainly focused on the PMVM designs of (Gr=5), this study reveals that the pole/slot combinations of PMVMs with (Gr≤5) are more appealing as there is a good trade-off between a reasonable power factor and high power density in these designs. It shows, in this paper, that the PMVM is a promising alternative to common PMSM technology for utility-scale wind-turbine drive-train applications.

Analysis and Reduction Methods of Cogging Torque in Dual PM Vernier Machines With Unevenly Distributed Split Teeth

This article investigates the source and reduction methods of cogging torque in dual PM Vernier machines (DPVMs), especially for the ones with unevenly distributed split teeth (UDST). At first, the increase of no-load back electromotive force in DPVMs with UDST is illustrated through the analysis of airgap working flux harmonics. The reason for largely increased cogging torque of DPVMs with UDST is then analyzed, and main flux harmonics that contribute to cogging torque are identified. To reduce cogging torque and torque ripple, several effective methods are introduced in this article, which are mainly based on the reduction or offset of corresponding airgap flux harmonics. The cogging torque reduction effects and torque performances of these methods are compared. Among them, newly proposed N/S-parts offset method is proved to be superior to other methods in DPVMs. A new DPVM prototype with UDST and N/S-parts offset structure is built and tested. Experimental results show that through the N/S-parts offset method, cogging torque of the machine is largely decreased from 9 to 0.3 N·m, which validates the analysis and simulation results.

A Novel Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine With Coding-Shaped Tooth

It is well known that permanent magnet Vernier machine (PMVM) has multiple flux field harmonics, which can produce stable torque. However, some flux field harmonics would create torque that undermines the total torque output. Such as the 6 slots 26 poles split-tooth PMVM here, of which modulated flux field outputs torque while fundamental flux field undermines torque output. In this article, a 26 pole PMVM with coding-shaped tooth is proposed. The coding-shaped tooth can introduce permeance harmonics with specific phase and amplitude, thus modulating flux fields that all output torque. Air-gap permeance harmonics of the proposed and the regular split-tooth PMVM are obtained via FEA. Based on MMF-permeance model, flux fields of two machines and their contributions to average torque are investigated, proving that the proposed machine has multiple flux fields that all output torque. Moreover, by optimizing geometric parameters of coding-shaped tooth, the proposed machine could obtain largest average torque and smallest torque ripple simultaneously. Electromagnetic performances of the optimized machines are studied comparatively in semianalytical way and FEA. It is proved that with same overall size, PM usage, and copper loss, the proposed machine could achieve 30% larger torque density, 86% smaller cogging torque, and 62% lower torque ripple than its counterpart. Finally, a 16-N·m (rated) prototype is built and tested.

AC Losses in Form-Wound Coils of Surface Mounted Permanent Magnet Vernier Machines

Surface mounted permanent magnet Vernier (SPM-V) machines, because of their high torque density and multi-pole structure, are promising candidates for low-speed direct-drive applications. To achieve high torque density, the SPM-V machines are generally designed with high gear ratios. Therefore, their operating frequencies can be much higher than those of the conventional SPM machines. This potentially increases the alternating current (AC) winding losses, especially those with form-wound coils proposed for high-power applications. This article investigates the AC losses (including skin effect, proximity effect, rotor PM induced, and circulating current losses) in form-wound stator coils of a 3 MW direct-drive SPM-V machine with different slot/pole number combinations. The study reveals that the SPM-V machines have significantly higher AC winding losses than their conventional SPM counterparts for similar operating conditions. To reduce the AC winding losses in SPM-V machines, a novel flux shunt concept is proposed along with other conventional techniques such as increasing the number of turns/coil (with terminal voltage being kept constant) and parallel strands/turn, providing extra clearance at slot opening. With the loss reduction techniques implemented, the SPM-V machines can achieve comparable efficiency but much higher torque density than their conventional counterparts. Moreover, the proposed flux shunt was also found to be very effective in reducing the potential risk of permanent magnet (PM) irreversible demagnetization, a key issue for SPM-V machines at high power ratings.

Design and Optimization of a High-Torque-Density Low-Torque-Ripple Vernier Machine Using Ferrite Magnets for Direct-Drive Applications

In recent years, Vernier permanent magnet machines (VPMs) have gained much interest in academia. However, due to the large leakage flux, the power factor of Vernier machines is too low to be applied in real industry. In this article, a novel split-tooth, concentrated-winding Vernier machine using ferrite magnets is proposed for high-torque, low-speed direct-drive applications in home appliance industry. It uses consequent-pole magnets in the rotor, as well as additional assisted magnets in the stator teeth, in order to reduce the leakage flux and boost the torque density. A systematic way of reducing the torque ripple from 40% to 4% is proposed by carefully choosing the right combination of stator/rotor pole-pair numbers. A comprehensive design optimization is conducted to achieve the optimal performance. Finally, the ac loading is carefully reduced to meet the torque, saturation, power factor and space requirements. The test results of a prototyped machine show that the proposed design can achieve 34% more torque and 20% less loss with a reasonable power factor of 0.63, compared with an optimized PM synchronous machine under the same volume. It is found that the significant torque boost is attributed to the multiple working harmonics of the air-gap flux density.

A Mesh Design Technique for Double Stator Linear PM Vernier Machine Based on Equivalent Magnetic Network Modeling

Linear permanent magnet Vernier machines (LPMVMs) is an attractive solution for stroke and direct-drive applications. Several LPMVM topologies have been presented for different applications that operate based on magnetic flux modulation. LPMVMs have some advantages including high force, and torque density at low speeds. This paper introduces a double-excited linear Vernier machine for wave energy conversion. To model the machine, finite element analysis and nonlinear equivalent network model are used. To improve the accuracy of the model and compact the network, a new meshing method is proposed. For better continuity in the output waveforms of the machine, special positioning is utilized. The end-effect is modeled using two separate networks. Finally, the modeling and simulation results are compared with each other and validated experimentally.

Analytical Model of Electromagnetic Performance for Permanent-Magnet Vernier Machines Using Nonlinear Exact Conformal Model

This paper investigates the air-gap field distribution of the permanent-magnet vernier machine (PMVM) using nonlinear exact conformal model (NECM) to account for slotting effect, flux modulation effect and iron nonlinearity. The exact conformal model based on the region of one-slot and one-flux-modulation-pole (OSECM) are introduced to show the effectiveness of linear analytical model for PMVM. It can keep high calculation accuracy and significantly reduce the computational burden. Then, the NECM is developed from OSECM by introducing the equivalent saturation current into the air region and coil region. The lumped parameter magnetic circuit model (LPMCM) model is used to obtain the magnetic potential of iron region and therefore calculate the equivalent saturation current. The NECM which combines LPMCM and OSECM can essentially improve the accuracy of linear analytical model. The harmonic analysis of air-gap field is performed to theoretically explain the component of electromagnetic torque. Both finite element model (FEM) simulation and test results are presented to validate the NECM.

Performance analysis of linear permanent magnet Vernier machine using mixed subdomain and magnetic equivalent circuit techniques including end‐effect

Performance analysis of a linear permanent magnet Vernier machine (LPMVM), which has a complex structure, is mostly based on the finite element methods, while for its optimisation or sensitivity analysis a quick mathematical technique is desirable. This paper introduces an LPMVM and its principles of operation. Then, a mixed subdomain and magnetic equivalent circuit are applied to extract magnetic field equations in various parts of the machine, in which the end-effect in included. Besides, the electromotive force, thrust force, normal force and electric equivalent circuit are determined. An LPMVM was prototyped and tested to verify the accuracy of the proposed method.

A Novel Dual-Stator Vernier Permanent Magnet Machine With Improved Power Factor

A dual-stator Vernier permanent magnet (DSVPM) machine is proposed in this article for improving the power factor. Compared with the conventional single-stator Vernier permanent magnet (SSVPM) machine with the surface-mounted permanent magnet rotor, the proposed DSVPM machine has the higher power factor and the overload capacity. The reason for the higher power factor and the overload capacity in DSVPM machines is explained theoretically in this article by air gap permeance theory, and the advantages of the power factor and overload capacity of DSVPM machine are verified by the finite element analysis (FEA) through 18-slots and 34-poles SSVPM and DSVPM FEA model. The rotor eddy current losses, core losses and magnet demagnetization ratio of the DSVPM and SSVPM machines are also studied in this article, the FEA results reveal eddy current and core losses and magnet demagnetization ratio are all lower in the proposed DSVPM machine. The power factor of DSVPM machine variation with the magnet thickness and pole ratio (the ratio of the rotor pole pair number to the stator pole pair number) is also researched by the theoretical and FEA methods. In this article, a surface-mounted permanent magnet machine with fractional-slot concentrated-winding is designed to compare the torque density and cost with DSVPM machine. The sandwiched rotor structure of the proposed DSVPM machine is discussed and the structural analysis by three-dimensional FEA is carried out to prove the feasibility of rotor support, the result reveal that the rotor structure has the sufficient strength.

Torque Enhancement Principle of Stator PM Vernier Machine by Consequent Pole Structure

In this study, a torque enhancement principle for a stator permanent-magnet (PM) Vernier machine with a consequent pole structure is proposed. The novelty of the manuscript is the explanation of how stator PM Vernier machines benefit from consequent pole structure. Although a similar concept of stator PM Vernier machines with a consequent pole structure has been investigated in previous studies, a clear torque enhancement principle was absent. The keys to torque enhancement are the decrement of nonworking harmonics and increment of working harmonics. To demonstrate these phenomena, the torque contributions from the harmonics were calculated. Subsequently, the performances of the conventional machine and consequent pole machine were compared to verify the enhancement principle. The electromagnetic performances, including the back electromotive force and torque, were compared. The results show that the stator PM Vernier machine benefits significantly from torque enhancement using the consequent pole structure, and the torque enhancement principle was verified.

A high-performance dual-stator permanent-magnet vernier machine for propulsion applications

A high-performance dual-stator permanent-magnet vernier machine for propulsion applications

Optimization of Non-uniform Flux Modulation Poles of a Dual-Stator Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine for Performance Improvement

Optimization of Non-uniform Flux Modulation Poles of a Dual-Stator Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine for Performance Improvement

Two-dimensional analytical model for five-phase fault-tolerant permanent-magnet vernier machines

PurposeThis study aims to extract an analytical model for five-phase fault-tolerant permanent-magnet vernier machines (FTPMVMs) based on the analytical solution of Maxwell’s equations, which has some advantages than the finite element model.Design/methodology/approachFTPMVMs enhance the torque density by combining the vernier characteristics and the fault-tolerant feature. The principle operation of FTPMVMs is discussed based on the magnetic field modulation due to both permanent magnets and armature current. The analytical solution of the magnetic vector potential in each sub-region is obtained based on the sub-domain technique.FindingsAccording to the calculated magnetic vector potential, the magnetic flux density, torque, self- and mutual inductance and back-electromotive force are calculated. The FEM is used to validate the results obtained from the proposed analytic model.Originality/valueTwo-dimensional analytical method is used to obtain the electromagnetic model of FTPMVMs.

Effect of Airgap Length on Electromagnetic Performance of Permanent Magnet Vernier Machines With Different Power Ratings

This article investigates the effect of airgap length on the electromagnetic performance of direct-drive surface mounted permanent magnet Vernier (SPM-V) machines with different power ratings. Using 3 kW machine as an example, its performance is comprehensively compared with a conventional SPM machine with the same airgap lengths using two-dimensional finite-element analysis. For each airgap length, the slot&#x002F;pole number combination for the SPM-V machine is investigated to achieve the optimal performance compared to the conventional SPM machine. In order to make the study more generic, the slot&#x002F;pole number and the airgap length variations are expressed as normalized pole pitch, i.e., <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\overline {{{\boldsymbol{\tau }}_{\boldsymbol{r}}}} $</tex-math></inline-formula> (ratio of rotor pole pitch to electromagnetic airgap length). The results show that for 3 kW machines, <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\overline {{{\boldsymbol{\tau }}_{\boldsymbol{r}}}} $</tex-math></inline-formula> &gt;2.2 is a good design criterion for the SPM-V machines to achieve higher average torque and efficiency than the conventional SPM machines. In addition, a reasonably good power factor (&gt;0.9 in this case) can be achieved. Although the power factor of SPM-V machines drops significantly at multi-MW power level, i.e., 3 and 10 MW, the criterion <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\overline {{{\boldsymbol{\tau }}_{\boldsymbol{r}}}} $</tex-math></inline-formula> &gt;2.2 still results in achieving a performance closest to their optimal capability. However, when <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\overline {{{\boldsymbol{\tau }}_{\boldsymbol{r}}}} $</tex-math></inline-formula> &gt;2.2, special consideration should be paid to avoid potential irreversible magnet demagnetization at multi-MW power levels.

Performance Analysis of Permanent Magnet Vernier Motor with Surface and Halbach Magnets

Background: Surface permanent magnet motors (SPMVM) and dual permanent magnet motors (DPMVM) have broad prospects in direct drive systems, but some problems occur with large magnetic leakage, large torque ripple and large amount of permanent magnets (PMs). Objective: In order to reduce the torque ripple and magnetic flux leakage of SPMVM and DPMVM, and improve the torque density, a dual permanent magnet vernier machine with Halbach PM array (DHPMVM) is proposed. Method: By air gap permeance method, flux density analysis of three kinds of motors was analyzed, and the main harmonics of SPMVM and DHPMVM are investigated with structure parameters. Electromagnetic characteristics of three motors such as no-load back, electromotive force (EMF), torque, and inductance are compared and analyzed by finite element method (FEM). Results: The study found that under the same size, winding distribution, electrical load and speed conditions, DHPMVM uses Halbach PM array and consequent pole structures to reduce magnetic flux leakage and torque ripple, increase torque density, PM utilization and torque per unit PM volume. Compared with SPMVM and DPMVM, the DHPMVM proposed in this paper has better electromagnetic performance. Conclusion: The DHPMVM topology is the better choice in terms of torque density, torque ripple, and magnet usage among the investigated topologies.

Design, Analysis, and Optimization of Permanent Magnet Vernier Machines Considering Rotor Losses

The purpose of this paper is the design, analysis, and optimization of a new structure of a permanent magnet vernier machine (PMVM) with a high torque density and low rotor losses. First, the modulation principle and topology of this PMVM is introduced. Then, its average torque and rotor loss are enhanced and reduced by optimizing the flux modulation poles distribution. For the sake of further reducing the rotor losses on the premise of maintaining the torque density, the contribution of the air gap flux density harmonics to the rotor loss is analyzed. Then, a new topological structure of a rotor with a flux barrier is introduced to reduce the rotor losses due to the decrease of each harmful harmonic. Through the analysis of the structure of the PMVM with the flux barrier, the influence of the parameters on the performance is built. After that, a multi-objective optimization algorithm is used to optimize the PMVM so as to obtain the optimal performance. Moreover, the electromagnetic performance comparison between the newly proposed machine and the original one is presented to indicate that lower rotor losses can be obtained by the proposed machine when the torque is ensured. Finally, a prototype of proposed PMVM is built and further tested to verify the validities of the theoretical and finite-element analyses.

Design and Analysis of Dual-Rotor Modular-Stator Hybrid-Excited Axial-Flux Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine

This paper proposes a new structure of the dual-rotor hybrid-excited axial-flux permanent magnet vernier machine (DR-HEAFPMVM) with the modular stator and the consequent-pole PM (CPM) rotor for low-speed, high torque density applications such as in-wheel electric vehicles. The tooth-wound non-overlapping armature windings and direct current (DC) excitation windings are, respectively, arranged in stator main-teeth and split-teeth to obtain the modulated and adjustable air-gap flux densities, resulting in high torque density and outstanding flux-weakening capability. First, the design considerations, operation principles, and air-gap flux density distributions of the proposed machine are elaborated based on the air-gap permeance function. Then, the influence of the pole ratios (PRs) and the DC excitation currents on the main electromagnetic performances of the DR-HEAFPMVM, such as the flux-weakening capability and back-electromotive force (back-EMF), on-load electromagnetic torque, loss distribution, and efficiencies, is investigated using the 3-D finite-element method (FEM). Results verify the feasibility of the flux adjustment of the DC excitation windings equipped in the split-tooth, and the design with a pole ratio of 8/1 tends to have higher torque density, higher machine efficiency, and considerable flux-weakening capability compared with the other two PRs.

Analysis of Rotor Losses in Permanent Magnet Vernier Machines

This article investigates rotor losses in permanent magnet Vernier machines. By analyzing air-gap field, the harmonic distribution and frequency of modulated open-circuit flux density and armature reaction flux density are obtained. Then, rotor losses production principle is revealed and the influence of each harmonic on the loss is analyzed. Meanwhile, the influence of each harmonic on torque is also studied. It is found that some harmonics have no contribution to torque but produce additional losses. On this basis, a new rotor structure is proposed to suppress the rotor losses. Comparison results indicate that by suppressing nonworking harmonics, the rotor losses can be reduced effectively without affecting the effective torque. Finally, the theoretical and finite-element analysis results are verified by prototype tests.