Multistage axial-flux PM machine for wheel direct drive

The design of direct-drive wheel motors must comply with diameter restrictions due to housing the motor in a wheel rim and allow the achievement of very high torque density and overload capability. Slotless axial-flux permanent magnet machines (AFPMs) prove to be the best candidate for application in electric vehicles as direct-drive wheel motors, as in comparison with conventional machines they allow designs with higher compactness, lightness and efficiency. The paper presents a newly conceived AFPM which has a multistage structure and a water-cooled ironless stator. In the proposed new topology of the machine, the space formerly occupied by the toroidal core becomes a water duct, which removes heat directly from the interior surface of the stator winding. The high efficiency of the machine cooling arrangement allows long-term 100% overload operation and great reduction of the machine weight. The multistage structure of the machine is suited to overcome the restriction on the machine diameter and meet the torque required at the wheel shaft. The paper gives guidelines for the design of a multistage AFPM with water-cooled ironless stator, and describes characteristics of a two-stage prototype machine rated 215 Nm, 1100 RPM.