Magnetic drive couplings

Eddy current couplings using embedded magnet excitation are now commercially available offering key benefits in applications such as large pumps, compressors and conveyors. The paper describes a linear field model based upon 'layer theory' that has been used to assist in the development and optimisation of a range of eddy current couplings. The paper demonstrates the ability of the proposed approach for predicting flux density distributions, torques and axial forces including any misalignment. The model is a useful design tool because of the significant reduction in solution times compared to more detailed finite element based methods.