Performance comparison of Axial Flux PM machine with Anodised Aluminium Foil and Round Copper Wire

In this article the electromagnetic and thermal performance of an axial flux permanent magnet machine with anodised aluminium foil as stator winding conductor material is analysed and compared to enamelled copper wire. The influence of the conductor material on the DC and AC winding losses, and the torque density is studied. Additionally, the influence of the motor housing convective heat transfer coefficient is examined. It can be concluded that the anodised aluminium foil winding offers an attractive alternative for copper wire, especially in low speed applications where the thermal resistance of the winding body is dominant in the thermal path from heat source to heat sink.