Analytical model and design of spoke-type permanent-magnet machines accounting for saturation and nonlinearity of magnetic bridges

Based on subdomain model, this paper presents an analytical method for predicting the no-load magnetic field distribution, back-EMF and torque in general spoke-type motors with magnetic bridges. Taking into account the saturation and nonlinearity of magnetic material, the magnetic bridges are equivalent to fan-shaped saturation regions. For getting standard boundary conditions, a lumped parameter magnetic circuit model and iterative method are employed to calculate the permeability. The final field domain is divided into five types of simple subdomains. Based on the method of separation of variables, the analytical expression of each subdomain is derived. The analytical results of the magnetic field distribution, Back-EMF and torque are verified by finite element method, which confirms the validity of the proposed model for facilitating the motor design and optimization. •The no-load magnetic field of poke-type motors is firstly calculated by analytical method.•The magnetic circuit model and iterative method are employed to calculate the permeability.•The analytical expression of each subdomain is derived..•The proposed method can effectively reduce the predesign stages duration.