Magneto-Thermal Analysis of a Novel Excited Outer Rotor Flux-Switching PM Machine

Abstract

In this paper, precise thermal analysis is investigated for an excited outer rotor flux-switching permanent magnet (EOR-FSPM) machine. To fulfil this aim, a Three-Dimensional (3D) Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is established to accurately calculate PM and rotor holder eddy current loss as well as iron losses in rotor segments and stator core. Through electromagnetic-thermal coupling, all loss sources are injected into the detailed thermal analysis in order to determine both transient and steady-state component temperatures. In addition to the temperature investigation of components, temperature distribution, heat flow path, and heat generation density specifications are analyzed. To achieve a realistic analysis, critical parameters in thermal modelling such as the convection heat transfer in the air gap, end regions and external surfaces, and contact thermal resistances are all considered. The results ensure temperature-sensitive components such as PM and winding will not exceed critical temperature due to appropriate heat dissipation of the proposed topology.