Analysis of Performance Improvement of Passenger Car Synchronous Homopolar Generator with the Addition of Ferrite Magnets

Abstract

Featured Application: The research findings can be applied in the design of generators of various vehicles, in particular synchronous homopolar generators. Electric machines with hybrid excitation have increased torque density while maintaining a wide range of speed control. This article presents the results of the optimal design of a synchronous homopolar generator (SHG) with ferrite magnets on the rotor and excitation winding on the stator for passenger cars. The use of ferrite magnets on the rotor of a synchronous homopolar generator makes it possible to use the stator surface more efficiently, which in turn increases energy efficiency and reduces the dimensions of the generator. At the same time, the excitation winding on the stator provides a reliable brushless design and the ability to control the excitation flux. The problem of long-time calculation of the three-dimensional SHG structure, which is especially relevant when using multi-iterative computer optimization, is solved by using the computationally efficient Nelder-Mead method and a simplified SHG model using two-dimensional finite element analysis. It is also clear that the low torque ripple of SHG with ferrite magnets with two stator-rotor stack combinations (SRSC) is largely provided by the fact that the torque ripples of individual SRSCs are in antiphase. The problem of considering the magnetic properties of magnetic core sections made of structural low-carbon steel is discussed. It has been found that with an increase in both the saturation level of the magnetic circuit and the magnetomotive force (MMF) of the SHG excitation winding, resistance to irreversible demagnetization of ferrite magnets on the rotor can be increased by increasing their height. In addition, it is shown that there is a significant increase in performance when using the hybrid excitation, in comparison with the conventional SHG design without magnets. © 2023 by the authors.