Axial flux permanent magnet machines: A new topology for high performance applications

This paper presents a new type of axial flux motor, the segmented armature torus (SAT) topology. The SAT motor has no stator yoke, a high fill factor and short end windings which all increase torque density and efficiency of the machine. Thus, the topology is highly suited for high performance applications. The LIFEcar project is aimed at producing the world's first hydrogen sports car, and the first SAT motors have been developed especially for the vehicle. A laboratory prototype has been built and some preliminary results presented. The peak torque density of the drive is 18 Nm/Kg.