Modeling and Prototyping of a Fully Ironless Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machine

This paper presents a 3D calculation method of magnetic flux density in fully ironless axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine. The method is based on the 3D magnetic charge representation of the permanent magnet. The real geometry of the coils and Biot-Savard law are used to model the stator windings. This modeling method allows computing with very good accuracy the main electromagnetic specifications of such unconventional machines such as magnetic flux, back Electromotive Force (EMF), electromagnetic torque, and inductances. This calculation method is applied to a prototype of a single-sided Fully Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machine for validation purposes. Calculation results are in good agreement with those obtained with experimental measurements. This method appears to be very suitable to be used in systematic design process for such structures.