A Novel Linear Permanent-Magnet Vernier Machine With Improved Force Performance

In this paper, a linear permanent-magnet vernier machine is proposed, in which both magnets and armature windings are placed in the short mover, while the long stator consists of an iron core only. Hence, it is suitable for long-stroke applications such as urban rail transit. The proposed machine integrates two magnetization directions of magnets together, which can reduce leakage flux and enhance flux density. Meanwhile, since different topologies and different slot/pole number combinations have an effect on the winding factor, several general rules are established. It is revealed that the thrust force ripple of the proposed machine is lower than its cogging force ripple, which is explained by a built analytical model. Both the analytical model and the finite-element results are validated by experiments based on a prototype machine.