The Study of Properties of an Axial Flux Switching Permanent Magnet Alternator with Open Magnetic Cores

Abstract The article studies magnetic field distribution in the alternator inductors with an axial arrangement of open magnetic cores (OMC) and an external closure of the magnetic flux. The study compares the efficiency of magnetic flux utilization for four models with different modifications of the geometry of the magnetic circuit of inductors. The analysis of the density distribution of magnetic flux in OMC is carried out by 3D modelling of the magnetic field using EMWorks software. Based on the experimental study of the properties of the base model, the influence of the configuration of the magnetic circuit of the inductor on the efficiency of the alternator is shown. The results are presented in the form of tables and diagrams characterising changes in magnetic fluxes and electromotive force (EMF) in relative units. The results provide the grounds for assessing the potential and possible limits of optimization with respect to the size of air gaps and dimensions of the magnetic flux toggle switches. The study indicates that the proposed alternator can be adapted for various load requirements and optimized for various applications, such as charging power banks and powering bicycle electronics. The study also demonstrates that for such generators, OMC can be manufactured using a waste-free strip production technology.