Design and Experimental Evaluation of an In-Wheel Flux-Switching Machine for Light Vehicle Application

Abstract

Restrictive regulations regarding emissions and fossil fuel consumption lead to the electric vehicle being an alternative to replace conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. The pure electric powertrain technology and the charging infrastructure are still immature in some markets, where increasing the overall vehicle efficiency by energy harvesting means can be a more viable solution. This paper presents the design and experimental validation of an in-wheel flux-switching machine for regenerative braking in a light passenger vehicle. Later, the energy can be used for fuel handling and reforming, performance enhancement, increasing efficiency, and reducing emissions. Feasibility and technological challenges are also discussed. The Maxwell–Fourier method and a novel steady-state equivalent circuit presented in this paper are used for geometry sensitivity analysis and optimization routine.

Keywords

• flux-switching machine
• efficiency
• regenerative breaking
• energy harvesting