Performance Evaluation of a Hybrid-Excited Flux-Switching PM Motor for Traction Applications

The need for high energy density and high efficiency electrical machines and drives for road traction applications is growing rapidly, due to their environmental benefits compared to traditional internal combustion propulsion systems. The demanding specifications defined by the US Drive 2020 program make the design of high-performance traction motors a challenging task. In particular, providing high torque and achieving a wide constant power speed range often represent a compromise in the design phase. Hybrid-excited flux-switching permanent magnet machines have been proposed as good candidates for road traction applications due to their desirable characteristics of design flexibility and control simplicity. This paper aims to investigate the design and performance of hybrid-excited flux-switching permanent magnet machines with particular interest in flux-regulation capability.