A comparison of radial and axial flux structures in electrical machines

This paper explores the comparative advantages and disadvantages of the simplest form of axial flux geometry, the single sided version, compared to the most common form of radial flux geometry with an inside rotor, when considering permanent magnet synchronous machines. A detailed literature review of comparisons is presented. New material is presented highlighting the benefits of single sided axial flux geometry. The constraints and assumptions made when comparing possibilities are discussed in detail, including a study of the biases these can introduce. The basis of this comparison is founded on constant electromagnetic airgap shear stress, being the product of electric loading and magnetic loading, and indeed the constancy of both of those factors. The metric used for comparison is simply that of the masses of the active materials, steel, copper, and magnet material. Examples are presented, including a machine which recently went into production in quantity. A range of lesser issues which are relevant when one is making a choice, are presented and discussed.