Optimization Design of Power Factor for an In-Wheel Vernier PM Machine From the Perspective of Air-Gap Harmonic Modulation
Dingying Wu, Zixuan Xiang, Xiaoyong Zhu, Li Quan, Min Jiang, Liu Yong-feng
Abstract
In this article, an optimization design method of power factor is proposed for vernier permanent magnet (VPM) machine, in which the key is to analyze and investigate the power factor from the perspective of air-gap flux harmonic modulation. To improve the design efficiency, air-gap harmonics are analyzed and serve as the crucial bridge between power factor and machine geometry. It is noted that, during the operation of the VPM machine, more attention is required for the power factor of low-speed operation area. Based on the popular new European driving cycle of the electric vehicles, three low-speed driving conditions are chosen for the optimization design. For the systematic investigation, a V-shape VPM machine is selected as an optimization example. In order to evaluate conveniently, the comprehensive power factor is defined and sensitive air-gap flux harmonics of different conditions are selected as the optimization objectives, for improving the power factor characteristics in low-speed conditions. In addition, power factor and machine performances are evaluated to validate the proposed method. Finally, the prototype machine is built and tested. Both the simulation and experimental results reveal the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method and investigated VPM machine.