Magnetic field and electromagnetic performance analysis of permanent magnet machines with segmented Halbach array

Purpose This study aims to accurately calculate the magnetic field distribution, which is a prerequisite for pre-design and optimization of electromagnetic performance. Accurate calculation of magnetic field distribution is a prerequisite for pre-design and optimization. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes an analytical model of permanent magnet machines with segmented Halbach array (SHA-PMMs) to predict the magnetic field distribution and electromagnetic performance. The field problem is divided into four subdomains, i.e. permanent magnet, air-gap, stator slot and slot opening. The Poisson’s equation or Laplace’s equation of magnetic vector potential for each subdomain is solved. The field’s solution is obtained by applying the boundary conditions. The electromagnetic performances, such as magnetic flux density, unbalanced magnetic force, cogging torque and electromagnetic torque, are analytically predicted. Then, the influence of design parameters on the torque is explored by using the analytical model. Findings The finite element analysis and prototype experiments verify the analytical model’s accuracy. Adjusting the design parameters, e.g. segments per pole and air-gap length, can effectively increase the electromagnetic torque and simultaneously reduce the torque ripple. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper is to develop an accurate magnetic field analytical model of the SHA-PMMs. It can precisely describe complex topology, e.g. arbitrary segmented Halbach array and semi-closed slots, etc., and can quickly predict the magnetic field distribution and electromagnetic performance simultaneously.

Optimization of a Two-Layer 3D Coil Structure with Uniform Magnetic Field

Conventional magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transfer systems are faced with resonant frequency splitting phenomena and impedance mismatch when a receiving coil is placed at misaligned position. These problems can be avoided by using uniform magnetic field distribution at receiving plane. In this paper, a novel 3D transmitting coil structure with improved uniform magnetic field distribution is proposed based on a developed optimization method. The goal is to maximize the average magnetic field strength and uniform magnetic field section of the receiving plane. Hence, figures of merit (FoM1 and FoM2) are introduced and defined as product of average magnetic field strength and length or surface along which uniform magnetic field is generated, respectively. The validity of the optimization method is verified through laboratory measurements performed on the fabricated coils driven by signal generator at operating frequency of 150 kHz. Depending on the allowed ripple value and predefined coil proportions, the proposed transmitting coil structure gives the uniform magnetic field distribution across 50% to 90% of the receiving plane.

Visualising the heart of chaos

The intra-cavity electro-magnetic field distribution in a microdisk resonator can be visualised by inducing a phase shift via a scanning probe beam.

Inhomogeneous Winding for Loosely Coupled Transformers to Reduce Magnetic Loss

Wireless power transfer has been proved promising in various applications. The homogeneous winding method in loosely coupled transformers incurs unnecessary intense magnetic field distribution in the center and causes extra magnetic loss. An inhomogeneous winding method is proposed in this paper, and a relatively homogeneous magnetic field distribution inside the core is achieved. This paper investigated the magnetic loss of homogeneous winding and inhomogeneous winding for wireless power transfer. A theoretical model was built to evaluate magnetic loss under inhomogeneous winding. The coupling coefficient and magnetic loss were investigated individually and comparisons were made between different width ratio combinations. Theoretical analysis was validated in experiments.

Optimization of Electromagnetic Modules on Graphical Braille Screen for Visual Impaired People

The paper presents an approach to investigate the effect of different design parameters on the static “force-travel” characteristics and the magnetic field distribution of patented variants of an electromagnetic module for a Braille screen