Improved design and experimental verification of linear magnetic gear using parametric analysis

Abstract

This study aims at improving the design of a linear magnetic gear (LMG) and verifying its reliability using a fabricated prototype. LMGs represent electromechanical energy-conversion machines employing permanent magnets (PMs). However, given the linear structure of power-transmission devices, LMGs are difficult to manufacture. The proposed study presents an LMG-design aimed at facilitating ease of its manufacturing. To this end, the PM-ratio performance was first analyzed for selection of an appropriate basic model, which can be subsequently optimized by changing the PM-shape and flux-modulation poles to realize optimum electromagnetic characteristics. Moreover, mechanical characteristics of the optimized model were analyzed to aid fabrication. Results of finite-element analyses and experiments performed in this study on a fabricated prototype demonstrate the reliability of the proposed model.