Axial Flux Variable Gap Motor: Application in Vehicle Systems

Document Number: 2002-01-1088

Date Published: March 2002

Author(s):
Justin Kern - Argonne National Lab.
Sung Chul Oh - Argonne National Lab.
Ted Bohn - Argonne National Lab.
Aymeric Rousseau - Argonne National Lab.
Max Pasquier - Argonne National Lab.

Abstract:
Alternative electric motor geometry with potentially increased efficiency is being considered for hybrid electric vehicle applications. An axial flux motor with a dynamically adjustable air gap (i.e., mechanical field weakening) has been tested, analyzed, and modeled for use in a vehicle simulation tool at Argonne National Laboratory. The advantage of adjusting the flux is that the motor torque-speed characteristics can better match the vehicle load. The challenge in implementing an electric machine with these qualities is to develop a control strategy that takes advantage of the available efficiency improvements without using excessive energy to mechanically adjust the air gap and thus reduce the potential energy savings. Motor efficiency was mapped in terms of speed, torque, supply voltage, and rotor-to-stator air gap. Maps of optimal gap versus efficiency were used to develop a motor model and control strategy, which were incorporated into the PNGV Systems Analysis Toolkit vehicle modelling software.

File Size: 538K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at SAE 2002 World Congress & Exhibition, March 2002, Detroit, MI, USA, Session: Advanced Hybrid Vehicle Powertrains (Part B&C)

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