An overview on developments and researches of axial flux permanent magnet machines

Abstract

In recent years, axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines with pancake shape, compact construction, high efficiency and high power density have gained increasing interests of many researchers. Extensive literatures which involving a variety of AFPM machines topologies in different areas have appeared. This paper describes various conventional stator and rotor structures and several special ones of the AFPM machines, compares performance characteristics of the AFPM machines and the traditional radial flux permanent magnet (RFPM) machines, analyses the AFPM machine design and analysis methods and discusses the AFPM machines for different areas researches and applications. Finally, development trends of the AFPM machine related technologies are summarized and prospected.