Influence of magnetic wedges on the load performance of axial flux permanent magnet machines

Aim of the paper is to evaluate a particular aspect of the design of axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines, i.e. the use of SMC wedges to close stator slots. This contribution is the continuation of a previous investigation dedicated to the analysis of the no-load performance variation introduced by the magnetic wedges. Here, attention is focused on the load performance, by studying the effect of the wedges on d-q axis stator flux linkages, torque production and losses. 2D finite element analyses (FEA) are performed on a 10 kW AFPM machine adopting various magnetic wedge configurations; the load performance is compared with that of the same machine using non-magnetic wedges in terms of stator flux linkage, average and ripple torque and rated load losses.