Thrust Force Ripple Reduction of Two C-Core Linear Flux-Switching Permanent Magnet Machines of High Thrust Force Capability

Linear flux-switching permanent magnetic (LFSPM) machines are good choices for long stroke applications. These machines deliver high thrust force density in addition to the machine structure where permanent magnetics (PMs) and windings are all on the short mover. For LFSPM machines, their performance is always affected by big thrust force ripple. In this paper, for two C-core LFSPM machines of high thrust force capability, including a 6/13 C-core LFSPM (6/13LFSPM-C) machine and a sandwiched C-core LFSPM (SLFSPM-C) machine, and a thrust force ripple reduction method is proposed. The proposed method is developed by reducing the slot effect component of the cogging force based on staggered stator tooth, and suppressing the thrust force ripple caused by unbalanced three phase back-electromagnetic forces (EMFs) based on two end PMs. Based on finite element analysis (FEA) results, both C-core LFSPM machines can achieve small thrust force ripples as well as high sinusoidal back-EMFs, and at the same time, maintain high thrust force capability with the proposed method. It was also found that, the improved SLFSPM-C machine exhibited the same thrust force capability as the improved 6/13LFSPM-C machine, but with a much smaller thrust force ripple.