Quantitative Design of a High Performance Permanent Magnet Vernier Generator

Permanent-magnet vernier machines are becoming more and more attractive due to their high torque density and low-speed operating capabilities. This paper investigates the effects of the magnet thickness, magnet pole arc ratio, and slot open ratio on the torque capacity. An analytical model is first presented. It is validated by comparing the results with the finite-element analysis (FEA) under the same hypothesis. A mono-objective optimization is then conducted on the basis of the analytical model coupled to genetic algorithm to reach the optimal values yielding the highest value of the torque. Finally, the influence of nonlinear magnetic material behavior on the optimal design is investigated through nonlinear FEA. The results are presented and discussed.