Analysis of a Surface-Mounted Permanent-Magnet Machine with Overhang Structure by Using a Novel Equivalent Magnetic Circuit Model

Abstract

The rotor overhang is used to enhance the air-gap flux and improve the power density. Due to the asymmetry in the axial direction caused by the overhang, a time consuming 3D analysis is necessary when designing a motor with overhang. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an equivalent magnetic circuit model (EMCM) which takes account overhang effects without a 3D analysis by using effective air-gap length. The analysis time can be reduced significantly via the proposed EMCM. A reduction in the analysis time is essential for a preliminary design of a motor. In order to verify the proposed model, a 3-D finite-element method (FEM) analysis is adopted. 3-D FEM results confirm the validity of the proposed EMCM.