Design and performance analysis of a novel mechanical flux-adjusting interior permanent magnet motor

In this paper, a novel mechanical flux-adjusting interior permanent magnet (MFA-IPM) motor is proposed. The key is to employ an additional mechanical flux-adjusting (MFA) device attached to one side of the rotor, which can achieve flexible adjustment of the air-gap flux and obtain a wide speed range. This system with appropriate gears uses centrifugal force to set the cylindrical PMs in a required position. The topology and working principle of the MFA-IPM motor are introduced. Then, the dynamic performance prediction between the deformation length of spring and the rotation angles of PMs is obtained by the dynamic simulation. Moreover, the electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed MFA-IPM motor and a conventional IPM motor are analysed and compared based on finite element analysis, including no-load performances, inductances, electromagnetic torque, flux-weakening ability and speed range, as well as demagnetization evaluation. Finally, a prototype MFA-IPM motor is fabricated and tested. Both the simulation and experimental results indicate the validity and feasibility of the MFA-IPM motor.