Analysis of Rotor Shapes for Double-Sided Axial-Flux Interior Permanent Magnet Machine

The recent increases in the consumption of permanent magnet machines emphasizes the importance of designing the ones with interior permanent magnet (IPM) structures that have enhanced performances. This study designed and analyzed the rotor shapes of IPM machines. In this regard, six types of magnets for dual rotor axial-flux permanent magnet (AFPM) were modeled and analyzed using 3D finite element method (FEM). In order to minimize the number of variables of this study, all of the parameters including the size of the stators, machine’s height, diameter, and so on are considered to be fixed and only the magnet shapes were modified to compare the machine’s characteristics. When the machine’s performances were compared as a function of rotor shape, the machine with sector-like magnet demonstrated the best results in terms of electromagnetic torque, torque ripple, air-gap flux density, and back electromotive force (EMF), as well as total harmonic distortion (THD).