Axial Flux Interior Permanent Magnet Motor with a Novel Symmetric Flux Barrier

Compared to the conventional surface mounted motor structure in the rotor, an axial flux interior permament magnet motor (AFIPM) can generate more reluctance torque with its sophisticated flux barrier structure. However, for a double stator single rotor (DSSR) structure, an asymmetric flux barrier structure can generate an unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP) in the rotor. In this study, the design comcept and optimization approach of a DSSR AFIPM with a symmetric flux barrier has been described. Based on a benchmark model, an initial design of the AFIPM has been done. The proposed structure has a single layer H shaped flux barrier in the rotor. The optimization is performed for both benchmark and symmetric structures by using a Taguchi method based approach. Finally, result comparison of benchmark and optimized designs have been done. This study indicates that the optimized AFIPM can be a cheaper alternative in terms of electromagnetic performance and magnet volume.

Automated summary

This study describes the design concept and optimization approach of a DSSR AFIPM with a symmetric flux barrier, and performs optimization for both benchmark and symmetric structures using a Taguchi method. Finally, a comparison of the results of benchmark and optimized designs is conducted, indicating that the optimized AFIPM can be a cheaper alternative in terms of electromagnetic performance and magnet volume.