High-Power-Factor Vernier Permanent-Magnet Machines

Vernier permanent-magnet (VPM) machines are well known for high torque density but low power factor. This paper deals with the low power factor of VPM machines. The goal is not obtained by reducing the electrical loading or adjusting current advance angle but by proposing a novel vernier topology, i.e., a dual-stator spoke-array (DSSA) VPM topology. In this paper, the characteristics of the DSSA VPM topology, such as active part, auxiliary mechanical structure, and rotor anisotropy, are analyzed in detail. Performances are evaluated based on finite-element analysis, including power factor, torque density, and cogging torque. The results show that the DSSA VPM topology exhibits high power factor, viz., similar to 0.9, and significantly high torque capability. The verification of the mechanical structure scheme is also done in this paper. Finally, theoretical analyses are validated by the experimental results by a 44-rotor pole 24-slot DSSA VPM prototype.