Design and analysis of a novel AFPM with counter-rotation dual rotors based on non-linear magnetic circuit model

This paper presents a nonlinear iterative magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model for a novel counter-rotation dual-rotor axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machine (CRDR-AFPMSM). The proposed machine mainly consists of two rotors with opposite rotation directions, two sets of concentrated windings and a stator core sandwiched in between the two rotors. The model takes into account of the nonlinear characteristics of the saturable permeance in the stator core, and the permeance matrix is updated by an iterative procedure to accurately illustrate its nonlinear feature. The air gap flux density, back electromotive force (EMF) and torque are predicted by the model. Based on the nonlinear model, the thickness of the stator yoke is determined. All of the results obtained by the proposed model match with finite element analysis (FEA) results closely, thus the validity of the proposed MEC model is verified.