Coupled electromagnetic and thermal analysis of an axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machines with printed circuit board winding

Axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machines (AFPMSMs) with printed circuit board (PCB) windings take on different electromagnetic and thermal performance characteristics when compared to the traditional radial flux permanent magnet synchronous machines (RFPMSMs). This paper presents the electromagnetic and thermal analysis of an AFPMSM. Taking a prototype AFPMSM with PCB winding as an example, the finite element method (FEM) and the electromagnetic thermal coupling method are used to conduct an analysis on this machine. The analysis results show that AFPMSMs can work under higher winding current density, and the main reasons of which are discussed in detail. Furthermore, its electromagnetic and thermal characteristics at rated state, different current densities and speeds are studied, respectively. Finally, the validity of the simulation model is verified by prototype experiment, which provides a reference for the thermal research of AFPMSM with PCB winding.