Comparative study of hybrid PM memory machines having single- and dual-stator configurations

In this paper, the memory flux principle is extended to switched flux structures, forming two newly emerged switched flux memory machines (SFMMs) with single-stator (SS) and dual-stator (DS) configurations. Two types of permanent magnets (PMs), i.e., NdFeB and low coercive force PMs, are located in the stationary part. Thus, the developed machines can achieve easy online PM magnetization control, excellent air-gap flux control, and acceptable torque capability. In order to address the issue about the limited stator space encompassing dual PMs and magnetizing coils in the SS-SFMM, a DS design is further developed, where all excitations are placed on a separate inner stator to improve the torque density. A comparative study between the SFMMs with SS and DS structures is established. The investigated machine topologies and operating principle are described first based on a “U”-shaped hybrid PM arrangement, and the PM sizing of the DS machine is optimized with a simplified magnetic circuit model. In addition, the electromagnetic characteristics of the SFMMs with SS and DS structures are investigated and compared by a finite-element (FE) method. The FE results are validated by the experiments on two fabricated prototypes.