2-D Modeling and Experimental Testing of Single Rotor Dual Stator Axial-Flux Permanent Magnet Machines

Typically, axial flux permanent magnet machines require 3-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis, increasing the amount of time required to complete a machine design. To overcome the drawback of 3D finite element analysis, several authors have proposed 2-dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) modeling and analysis techniques. This paper expands upon previous work, investigating quasi-boundary conditions to address end-effects and expands upon existing knowledge of discretizing the 3D problem into multiple 2D models for axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines. The results of 2D finite element method are verified by a prototype which has single rotor, dual stator (SRDS) configuration. The results presented in this paper reaffirm that the less conventional SRDS AFPM can be effectively modeled in 2D, and that quasi-boundary condition can offer increased model accuracy, relative to conventional 2D FE modeling of AFPM machines.