Optimization Design and Performance Evaluation of a Hybrid Excitation Claw Pole Machine

Claw pole machines (CPMs) have the advantages of a simple structure and low cost; therefore, they are commonly used in electric vehicles (EV). However, the methods to improve reliability and efficiency should be studied. So, a new type of hybrid excitation claw pole machine (HE-CPM) for EV is proposed. The permanent magnet (PM) is inserted in the rotor, and the field winding is placed on the front and back ending cover. Because the hybrid flux path of the proposed machine is three-dimensional (3D) and 3D finite element analysis (FEA) is time-consuming, a 3D magnet equivalent circuit (MEC) method considering rotor position is proposed and results between 3D MEC and FEA are compared. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and 3D MEC are combined in the optimization design of HE-CPM. The optimized results prove the effectiveness of the optimization method. Finally, the flux density distribution, electromagnetic characteristics of HE-CPM are evaluated. The thermal analysis and mechanical stress analysis are carried out. The HE-CPM prototype was manufactured. The direct current (DC) bus voltages under different excitation currents and load currents are measured and compared with those of FEA. When the armature current and the excitation current are 7 A and 4 A, respectively, the rated power and rated speed of HE-CPM are 10.28 kW and 3000 rpm, respectively. The maximum efficiency is 89%. FEA results are basically consistent with the experimental results. Accurate results and time savings can be achieved by combining PSO and 3D MEC.