Loss-Reduction-Oriented Optimization Methodology of Hybrid-Magnetic-Circuit Variable Flux Memory Machine for Global Efficiency Improvement

Due to the existence of multiple magnetization states (MSs) of the low coercive force (LCF) PMs, the losses minimization of variable flux memory machine (VFMM) under different MSs are unable obtained simultaneously. This article proposes a loss-reduction-oriented (LRO) optimization methodology for overall efficiency improvement in VFMM. Firstly, a recently developed hybrid-magnetic-circuit (HMC) VFMM is selected as a design example to investigate the proposed optimization methodology. Subsequently, the architecture and overall flowchart of the proposed LRO optimization methodology are introduced and given, which includes two rounds of optimization, namely, dual-operating-mode rough optimization (DOM-RO) and multiple-operating-mode elaborate optimization (MOM-EO). Besides, a computationally efficient multimode field-circuit coupled (MMFC) model is established in finite element (FE) software to account for multiple operating modes within two simple case studies. On this basis, the proposed optimization methodology is applied to the HMC-VFMM, in which the LRO objective function is defined in terms of the time proportions of various MSs in an overall driving cycle. According to the optimization results, the electromagnetic characteristics of the machine are investigated, especially the machine loss and its efficiency maps under different MSs are analyzed. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and tested to verify the validity of the proposed optimization strategy.