Sensitivity analysis and prototyping of a surface-mounted permanent-magnet axial-flux coupler

In this paper, the performance of an axial-flux eddy-current coupler is analyzed, designed and prototyped, for which a magnetic equivalent circuit model is also developed. A number of associated design considerations are also presented. The studied structure utilizes annular-shaped PMs that better uses the space provided. Three dimensional time-stepping finite-element method is employed in the analyses. A sensitivity analysis is also performed so as to investigate the influence of the machine parameters on the device performance. An experimental prototype is built to cover the survey as well. Finally, it is shown that the analytical, FEM and experimental results correlated well.