Analysis of Novel Hybrid-PM Variable-Flux PMSMs with Series-Parallel Magnetic Circuits

The development of traditional permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) in electric vehicle (EV) industry is limited by the unalterable permanent magnet (PM) excitation field. Variable-flux PMSMs are considered as a good candidate for EV propulsion for their ability to operate in a wide speed range with high efficiency by manipulating the magnetization state dynamically. A novel hybrid-PM variable-flux PMSM with series–parallel magnetic circuits is proposed in this article. The structure and operating principle of the proposed machine are introduced. The electromagnetic performances of the proposed machine are analyzed and compared with the series-connected and parallel-connected variable-flux machines, and the proposed machine combines the advantages of these two kinds of machines. The inductance characteristics of the proposed machine are analyzed by frozen permeability method (FPM), and the variation laws of inductance are quite different in different magnetization states and load conditions. The torque capacity of the proposed machine is analyzed. The torque ripple can be significantly reduced and the output torque can be improved by properly applying flux-weakening control.