Analysis and design of a novel axial flux PM motor with SMC cores for pump applications

The paper proposes a novel configuration of a direct-drive single-side axial flux motor for the application in a fractional power hydraulic pump. The use of soft magnetic composites (SMC) for the rotor core and the stator poles enables a compact design, efficient and smooth operation, particularly profitable for home appliances. The motor performances are evaluated by simplified 2D FEM analyses of motor sections, taking into account the end effects by suitable correcting procedures. This approach allows to define the motor rating and to evaluate other related parameters, such as the phase inductance and the attractive force, remarkably affected by 3D end effects. The good agreement with 3D FEM results and the remarkable saving in calculation time proves the effectiveness of the design approach, particularly for parametric analyses. Some measurements on a preliminary prototype are also carried out to validate the proposed procedure.