A Novel Heteropolar Hybrid-Magnetic-Circuit Memory Machine

In order to address the main issues of the existing hybrid-magnetic-circuit variable-flux memory machines (HMC-VFMMs) in terms of crowded rotor space, excessive PM usage, and limited flux adjustment range, a heteropolar HMC-VFMM (HHMC-VFMM) with series and parallel magnetic circuits separately arranged within adjacent magnetic poles is proposed in this paper. With the novel rotor design, the merits of enlarged design space, improved torque performance, beneficial load MS stabilizing capability and wide control range of MS can be obtained simultaneously. Firstly, the variable flux principle of traditional parallel and series VFMM is introduced, and on this basis, the performance trade-off of the hybrid VFMM based on a simplified hysteresis model is pointed out. Furthermore, the critical design points and main advantages of the proposed HHMC-VFMM are analyzed. Then, the design parameters of HHMC-VFMM are globally optimized. Finally, the electromagnetic characteristics of the novel HHMC-VFMM and its single magnetic circuit counterparts are investigated and compared to clarify the advantage of the HHMC design.