An Extended Model for Ripple Analysis of 2–4 Phase Resonant Electrostatic Induction Motors

Electrostatic motors are promising forms of actuation for future robotic devices. The study of their different implementations should accelerate their adoption. Current models for resonant electrostatic induction motors were found not to be able to properly describe their behavior, namely, with regard to changes with position. This paper reports a new analytical model for these motors, aiming to address this issue. The model is based on identification of all capacitance harmonics, through a simplified method. Using these, equations for different motor parameters, notably, thrust force, were obtained and compared to previous literature. The new equations model position dependent properties, such as force ripple. The outputs of this model were validated through experimentation with a prototype, with the results confirming the new model better describes motor behavior. An analysis into how to decrease this ripple was also discussed and tested. We concluded that the use of a higher number of harmonics resulted in a much more accurate model, capable of adequately characterizing motor outputs with changes in position.

Design and Analysis of Two Permanent-Magnet-Assisted Bearingless Synchronous Reluctance Motors with Different Rotor Structure

The traditional bearingless synchronous reluctance motor (BSynRM) with salient pole rotor has some drawbacks such as high suspension force ripple, low torque density and low power factor. To overcome the above shortcomings, the permanent-magnet-assisted bearingless synchronous reluctance motor (PMa-BSynRM) is proposed. In this paper, two types of PMa-BSynRM rotors with the same number of permanent magnets but different magnetic barrier structures are designed. A traditional BSynRM with a salient pole rotor is introduced, and the electromagnetic and vibration characteristics of the three BSynRM are analyzed and compared. Firstly, the rotor structures of the two PMa-BSynRMs are designed, and the operation principle of the BSynRM is introduced. Secondly, electromagnetic characteristics of the three motors are analyzed and compared in detail using FEA software. Thirdly, the vibration analysis of the three motors is carried out. Finally, the experimental prototype platforms are built. The FEA and experimental results verify that the designed PMa-BSynRM can improve the power factor and torque density of traditional BSynRMs, and the most superior BSynRM among the three is identified.