Performance analysis of linear permanent magnet motors for optimal design considerations

This paper presents the optimal design considerations of a linear permanent magnet motor (LPMM) with surface-mounted or interior-buried permanent magnets (PMs). Based on the analytical model of both types of LPMMs, equations for the thrust are first derived. Then, 2D finite element method (FEM) is used to systemically analyze the effects on the motor performance caused by the parameters that cannot be figured out directly from the analytical results. These parameters are the armature structures, the permanent magnet arrangements, and the PM numbers. With the same applied current and magnet height, different models have been studies for the comparison and discussion of different LPMM structures. Finally, basic design considerations based on the effects of these parameters for the optimal design of LPMM will be obtained.