Improved analytical model for predicting the magnetic field distribution in brushless permanent-magnet machines

A general analytical technique predicts the magnetic field distribution in brushless permanent magnet machines equipped with surface-mounted magnets. It accounts for the effects of both the magnets and the stator windings. The technique is based on two-dimensional models in polar coordinates and solves the governing Laplacian/quasi-Poissonian field equations in the airgap/magnet regions without any assumption regarding the relative recoil permeability of the magnets. The analysis works for both internal and external rotor motor topologies, and either radial or parallel magnetized magnets, as well as for overlapping and nonoverlapping stator windings. The paper validates results of the analytical models by finite-element analyses, for both slotless and slotted motors.