Modular Reluctance Network Simulation of a Linear Permanent-Magnet Vernier Machine Using New Mesh Generation Methods

Reluctance network (RN) method is suitable for the modeling of complex magnetic field. In traditional RN models, the meshes cover the whole cross-sectional area of the electric machines, so much time is required. In order to improve the modeling efficiency, a new modular RN structure and two mesh generation methods are proposed in this paper. The size and shape of the mesh elements are identical and their permeance calculations are unified. These characteristics can greatly enhance the modeling flexibility of the RN. Then, the proposed methods and the simple magnetic circuit method are combined to analyze the performances of a linear permanent magnet vernier machine. Finally, finite-element analysis and experimental tests are carried out to evaluate the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method has high accuracy and high modeling speed.