Recent Advances in the Design and Construction of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machines

This paper discusses the reasons for the use of axial flux brushless dc machines (BDCMs) in particular applications. A specific axial flux machine design for wheel drive in a solar electric vehicle is introduced. Its losses are discussed in detail and steps taken to reduce these for a production model are described. Detailed finite element analysis is described which has resulted in the control of slot induced flux ripple, indicated by high levels of cogging torque and parasitic iron loss in the prototype.