A Novel Arch-Shaped-Magnet Variable-Flux Memory Machine

This paper proposes a novel arch-shaped-magnet variable-flux memory machine (ASM-VFMM). The proposed machine adopts a dual-layer permanent magnet (PM) rotor structure. In the first layer, an arch-shaped magnet arrangement is utilized to increase the volume of low-coercive-force (LCF) magnets, which contributes to improved magnetic flux adjustment (MFA) performance. The second layer incorporates an asymmetric PM (APM) layout to create a parallel magnetic circuit, enabling further suppression of air-gap flux density at the weakened-flux state. The topological development of the proposed machine is first described, covering the conventional series magnetic circuit (SMC) structure, the intermediary APM structure, and the proposed ASM structure. A theoretical modeling analysis is then conducted for the three machines. This confirms the superiority of the proposed design regarding its MFA capability. A comprehensive electromagnetic performance evaluation is carried out for the proposed machine, alongside comparative assessments of the other two machines. The results show that the proposed design outperforms the other two machines in terms of magnetization performance, MFA range, and on-load magnetization stabilization capability. Notably, the proposed machine exhibits excellent overall efficiency characteristics, especially under high-speed operating conditions.