2D Lumped Parameter Model for Temperature Prediction in a Radial Flux Switching Generator with Two Permanent Magnet Types

In compact electric machines with high torque density and direct continuity heat sources, irreversible damage results from overheating. Therefore, accurate temperature forecasting is essential. The objective of this study is to present an analytical approach for constructing a two-dimensional (2D) lumped parameter model (LPM) for thermal analysis of a hybrid permanent magnet (PM) radial flux switching generator (HPM-RFSG). The HPM-RFSG consists of a segmented rotor and stator that utilize two distinct PM types. The losses derived from finite element analysis (FEA) are employed as heat sources in LPM. The heat transfer between different regions and components is accounted for in the proposed LPM via conduction and convection thermal resistances. Comparisons are provided between the steady-state temperature results of the proposed LPM and FEA. Results comparison validated that the proposed LPM predicts the temperature of various components with acceptable accuracy, while also reducing computation time by 99.5%.