Magnet eddy-current losses reduction of an axial-flux in-wheel motor with amorphous magnet metal

The yokeless and segmented armature axial-flux in-wheel motor with amorphous magnet metal (AMM) stator segment has the advantage of low iron losses, but its open-slot structure causes high eddy-current losses of the permanent magnet (PM), which reduces the efficiency and reliability of the in-wheel motor. To avoid the demagnetization caused by the heat generated by PM losses, the mechanism of PM eddy-current losses reduction for the axial-flux in-wheel motor is revealed by the calculation model. In this paper, the time-step three-dimensional finite-element method (3-D FEM) is used to analyze the PM eddy-current loss caused by slotting effects, spatial harmonics, and time harmonics at different speeds. The effect of PM skewing, PM segmentation, and soft magnetic composite (SMC) layer inserted on the top of PM on eddy-current losses are compared. These methods cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of PM losses reduction and the electromagnetic performance of the motor. A novel combined stator segment with the SMC brim arranged on the top of the AMM stator teeth is proposed to improve the amplitude and distribution of the PM eddy-current density. The analysis results show that the combined stator segment can significantly reduce the PM eddy-current loss and improve the electromagnetic performance of the in-wheel motor.