Comparison of Partitioned Stator Switched Flux Permanent Magnet Machines Having Single- or Double-Layer Windings

A novel type of partitioned stator switched flux permanent magnet (PS-SFPM) machine with either single-layer or double-layer windings is developed in this paper. The proposed PS-SFPM machines have two stators, which separately accommodate the armature windings and the PMs, and between which is the rotor made of iron pieces, while the number of stator poles with PMs may be equal or half of that with armature windings. All the machines are optimized under fixed copper loss for maximum average torque by genetic algorithm. Their electromagnetic performances are compared, such as open-circuit flux-linkages and back-electromotive forces (EMFs), cogging torque, static torque waveforms, average torque against current, PM utilization ratio, and flux-weakening performances. The results show that due to more PM usage and higher open-circuit back-EMF, the PS-SFPM machines having the number of stator poles with PMs the same as that with armature windings exhibit higher average torque, irrespective of the winding topologies, either single-layer or double-layer windings. However, the single-layer winding PS-SFPM machines having the number of stator poles with PMs half of that with armature windings have the best PM usage and the highest ratio of average torque to PM volume, as well as good flux-weakening capability. A prototype machine is manufactured and tested to validate the analyses.