Influence of Constructive Parameters on the Performance of an Axial-Flux Induction Machine with Solid and Magnetically Anisotropic Rotor

This work aims to give an insight into the influence of relevant constructive parameters on the performance of an axial flux induction machines with magnetically anisotropic rotor (AR-AFIM). The torque-slip characteristic, efficiency, and power factor of several designs of a 72-slot 24-pole AR-AFIM are assessed by means of two 3-D finite element models: a reduced and a full model. The first one is used to speed evaluate performance indices performing a sweep of relevant constructive parameters, while the second is used for validation purposes. The conclusions obtained through both models were in good agreement. Specifically, it was found that variations of the rotor axial length, slot height, and airgap length have a significant effect on the performance of the machine, whilst slight deviations from the original iron/copper ratio of the anisotropic rotor do not have a significant impact on the machine performance.