Critical review on the benefits of C- and E-Core flux-switching-PM-machines

There are many publications that emphasize the advantages of C- and E-Core Flux-Switching-PM-Machines, which apply less magnet material than the conventional Flux-Switching-PM-Machine. However, most researches only focus on low-power applications beneath 1 kW. This paper investigates the performance of Flux-Switching-PM-Machines in a speed range between 1000 min
^-1
and 3000 min
^-1
at a 300 W and at a 45 kW level with different percentages of magnet masses per motor active mass. It reveals that C- and E-Core machines only are advantageous, if these machines use a magnet mass similar to conventional Flux-Switching-Machines with competitive magnet masses. At a 45 kW power level equipped with a magnet mass which is competitive to a highly-utilized PMSM the C- and E-Core topology is not appropriate. In addition, the inherent problems of the C- and E-Core concepts such as lower overload capability, poor power factor and high unbalanced magnetic force in the air-gap are big disadvantages of these machines.