Magnetic System Study of a Compound-Structure Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machine for HEVs

The magnetic coupling problem is discussed for the six topologies of compound-structure permanent-magnet (PM) synchronous machine (CS-PMSM), and the radial-radial flux CS-PMSM is investigated as example. Taking Toyota Prius hybrid system as reference, a radial-radial flux CS-PMSM is designed. Owing to mechanical reason, the thicknesses of the PMs on the outer and inner sides of the outer rotor are quite different, which induces more coupling problem. The magnetic system of CS-PMSM is researched in two aspects: the combination of thicknesses of PM and outer rotor yoke and the effect due to armature reaction. It is concluded that the magnetic coupling problem can be solved by designing an appropriate outer rotor thickness. In order to evaluate the magnetic structure, a downsized radial-radial flux CS-PMSM prototype was designed and manufactured. Back electromotive force (BEMF), relations between torque and current, and efficiency of the prototype were measured, and the experimental results are in good accordance with the calculated results.