Analysis of a New Asymmetric Biased-Flux Operation for an Inter-Modular Permanent Magnet Motor

Net zero and electrification targets are continuing to enforce a need for the development of high-performance electrical machines, increasingly based on the use of rare earth permanent magnets. Biased flux motors have the potential to overcome some of the disadvantages associated with more conventional electrical machines. Since their introduction, there has been a consistent trend towards new and improved topologies, all relying on the same principles of operation. In this paper, a new alternative operation is proposed where the magnetic flux density offset of each module is different. The resulting asymmetric biased excitations of the magnets leads to a flux concentration in the air gap. Placement of magnets in the slot-opening area is shown to produce a higher average torque at a higher power factor. It is mathematically shown that the conventional methods used to investigate the effect of each group of magnets separately cannot be used for the explanation of this operation principle. Therefore, it is necessary to simultaneously consider both groups of magnets in the magnetic equivalent circuit. Due to the use of magnets in these motors, thermal conditions are also investigated. Finally, a comprehensive comparison between several stator-situated-magnet motors is presented. The performance of the proposed motor is improved in terms of average torque, torque density, PM torque density, power factor, and overload capability. The torque density specifically has increased by 9%. Moreover, both motors have suitable thermal behaviour which confirms the validity of the demagnetization analysis.