Performance Comparison of Dual Airgap and Single Airgap Spoke-Type Permanent-Magnet Vernier Machines

This paper compares the performance of three different topologies of spoke-type permanent-magnet vernier machines (PMVM): 1) dual airgap dual stator winding (DSW); 2) dual airgap single stator winding (SSW); and 3) single airgap (SA). These topologies were compared in terms of torque/machine volume, cogging torque, and torque ripples. The 2-D finite element method was utilized to compare the performance of the three models. The dual airgap PMVM with a SSW showed similar performance with the same machine outer diameter and similar power in terms of torque/machine volume and torque ripples compared with the DSW model. The performance of the SSW model was better than that of the SA model for the same outer diameter and rotor. Furthermore, stator slot optimization was performed to improve torque/machine volume and reduce torque ripples in the SSW model.