Comprehensive Comparison of Rotor Permanent Magnet and Stator Permanent Magnet Flux-Switching Machines

This paper compares two flux-switching machines, namely, one stator permanent magnet flux-switching machine and one rotor permanent magnet flux-switching (RPM-FS) machine, with the same overall dimensions, main material properties, and current density. The comparison of characteristics is conducted from two perspectives, i.e., the electromagnetic torque production mechanism and torque (power)-sizing equation. The contribution of harmonics to average electromagnetic torque is analyzed based on the modulation principle and gearing effect, which reflects the similarities and differences between two FS machines in torque production mechanism. Moreover, torque performances are investigated from the viewpoints of magnetic parameters and electrical parameters. Then, electromagnetic performances including overload capability, flux-weakening capacity, and efficiency are analyzed and compared further. The predicted results indicate the RPM-FS machine exhibits a larger torque capability, a lower torque ripple, and improved flux-weakening capacity. The finite-element analysis predicted results are validated by experiments on two prototype machines.