Quantitative Comparisons of Outer-Rotor Permanent Magnet Machines of Different Structures/Phases for In-Wheel Electrical Vehicle Application

Abstract

As one of the key components, low-speed direct-drive in-wheel machines with high compact volume and high torque density are important for the traction system of electric vehicles (EVs). This paper introduces four different types of outer-rotor permanent magnet motors for EVs, including one five-phase SPM machine, one three-phase IPM machine with V-shaped PMs, one seven-phase axial flux machine (AFM) of sandwich structure and finally one hybrid flux (radial and axial) machine with a third rotor with V-shaped PMs added to the AFM. Firstly, the design criteria and basic operation principle are compared and discussed. Then, the key properties are analyzed using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The electromagnetic properties of the four fractional slot tooth concentrated winding in-wheel motors with similar dimensions are quantitatively compared, including air-gap flux density, electromotive force, field weakening capability, torque density, losses, and fault tolerant capability. The results show that the multi-phase motors have high torque density and high fault tolerance and are suitable for direct drive applications in EVs.