A study of rare-earth magnet profiles for torque ripple improvement of axial flux permanent magnet machine

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reduce the cogging torque in axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine using optimal magnet shape.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes different magnet shapes for AFPM machine performance enhancement. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis is performed to see the effects of pole shaping on the cogging torque of the AFPM machine.

Findings

The magnetic pole shape has a significant effect on cogging torque and overall efficiency. The conventional model has the highest torque whereas the conventional skewing affected cogging torque positively and significantly reduced the cogging torque. The combination of skewing the pole along with face curving is more effective and decreases the cogging torque from 3.88 Nm to 1.5 Nm.

Originality/value

Rare-earth magnets are the most expensive and important part of AFPM machines. Shape and volume optimization of rare-earth magnets is crucial for the performance of AFPM machines. The research aims to analyze the different permanent magnet designs for performance improvement of the AFPM machine. Conventional flat top trapezoidal, curved-top and skewed-magnet shapes are analyzed and the performance of the AFPM machine is compared with different magnet shapes. Curved-top shape and skewed magnet significantly reduce the cogging torque. Furthermore, a combination of curved-top shape and skew magnet shape is proposed to reduce the cogging torque further and improve the AFPM machine’s overall performance. Newly proposed magnet profile gives skewed curve magnet shapes which reduce the cogging torque further. 3D finite element analysis has been used to analyze the single-sided AFPM with all four different magnet shapes. The research focuses on single-sided AFPM machines, but the results are also valid for double-sided AFPM machines and can be extended to other topologies of AFPM machines.