Finite element analysis of a transverse flux machine with an external rotor for wheel hub drives

The transverse flux machine with a permanent magnet excited rotor is one of the most important machine topology for the application with electric driven vehicles. In particular with wheel hub drive systems, a machine design with an external rotor is favourably against an internal rotor. The paper discusses 3D finite element analyses of a novel design of a three phase transverse flux machine with an external rotor. In order to setup an environment suitable for the prototype design, special attention will be given to be finite element modelling. The results presented here are focussed on the most important electromagnetic parameters such as electromagnetic torque, no-load voltages and short-circuit currents.