Design and Analysis of 3-kW Inner-and Outer-Rotor Radial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines for Small-Scale Wind Energy Conversion Systems

Abstract

This paper investigates the performance of two topologies of radial flux permanent magnet synchronous (RFPMS) machines: inner-rotor RFPM and outer-rotor RFPM. These can be used for small-scale wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). The performance of both topologies is evaluated using the 2D finite element method (FEM) and the simulations are carried out using JMAG Designer 16.1. The primary objective of this study is to identify a suitable RFPMS machine for small-scale WECSs if both topologies are designed to have the same geometry and are rated at the same power level. The design parameters are calculated using the diameter-to-length design approach. Comparative analysis indicates that the outer-rotor RFPMS machine topology is suitable for the given application in terms of output power, back EMF, torque, and efficiency.