Design, Prototype and Experimental Verification of Single Phase Flux Switching Motor Using Low Cost Magnets

There has an increasing demand for a low cost brushless alternative to the series universal motor and single phase induction motor in domestic appliance and automotive applications. Single phase FSM with field winding has relatively low efficiency and low power factor. This paper tries to investigate a topology of single phase FSM which uses low cost magnet, i.e., Ferrite instead of field winding to provide field excitation. By using field focusing effect, the magnets are properly arranged to provide the required airgap flux. A standard design procedure for the presented FSM is developed. Extensive comparisons to the single phase induction motor, single phase permanent magnet motor and universal motor are made. A prototype with 8/4 pole configuration is fabricated. The experiment results are given and compared to the FEA simulated results. In addition, the electromagnetic vibrations and acoustic noises are also considered and measured which is always seen as the main disadvantage of this kind of motor.