A New Method for Reduction of Detent Force in Permanent Magnet Flux-Switching Linear Motors

The permanent magnet (PM) flux-switching linear motor, which is developed from the PM flux-switching rotary machine, possesses similar advantages such as high power density and simple structure. Furthermore, the PM flux-switching linear motor has a potential for mass production at low cost, since the expensive coils and magnets are both set on the short mover. However, the detent force which is induced by both slot-effect and end-effect deteriorates the motor performance. Some methods to reduce detent force which are effective in PM linear synchronous motors do not work in PM flux-switching linear motors, due to their special structure. This paper describes a new method to reduce the detent force by fixing assistant teeth on the mover ends. Finite element analysis shows some interesting results which will be detailed in this paper.