A Double-Rotor Flux-Switching Permanent-Magnet Motor for Electric Vehicles With Magnetic Differential

In this article, a novel double-rotor flux-switching permanent-magnet (DR-FSPM) motor is proposed for electric vehicles with the capability of magnetic differential (MagD). The key is to introduce a new set of winding, which magnetically couples with the two rotors of the DR-FSPM motor in such a way that the magnetic coupling winding field can interact with the PM fields in the two rotors. Hence, the differential torque can be generated between wheels to achieve accurate cornering during vehicle steering. Consequently, the proposed system can offer higher efficiency and compactness than the conventional mechanical differential system, while providing higher reliability and safer operation than the electronic differential system. The operation principle and performances of the proposed DR-FSPM motor are thoroughly analyzed by finite element analysis while the proposed MagD system is also evaluated with system simulation. Finally, the motor prototype is built while the prototype and MagD system are tested for experimental verification.