Flux Barrier Effect Of Spoke-Array Magnets In Flux-Modulation Machines

Spoke-array magnet topology is capable of increasing the torque density of PM machines due to its flux focusing effect. However, a so-called flux barrier effect is found when this magnet topology is applied in flux modulation machines, which may offset the advantage in torque capability. From the view of flux distribution, the flux barrier effect is visually explained in this paper. Through numerical FEA, considerable reduction in main flux and output torque is verified.