Published: 15 February 2018

Cogging force reduction for tubular permanent magnet linear motor by slots with different sizes

Pengfei Hou1
Kefeng Huang2
Puyu Wang3
Jinquan Wang4
Ye Xu5
1, 2, 4, 5PLA University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210007, China
3Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
Corresponding Author:
Kefeng Huang
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Abstract

Reduction of cogging force is one of the main concerns of tubular permanent magnet linear motor (TPMLM). In this paper, an analytical calculation of air-gap magnetic density is derived. In addition, an analytical calculation of cogging force is deduced by the energy method. The impact of slots with different sizes on the Fourier coefficients of relative air-gap permanence function is demonstrated. When the nz/4p is the integer, it will produce the cogging force. Therefore, it is practical to reduce the cogging force by changing the Fourier coefficient smaller. The effectiveness of the theoretical analysis is validated by experimental results.

1. Introduction

With dramatic view of permanent magnet materials, the tubular permanent magnet linear motor (TPMLM) have made great improvement. They have been applied in different types of high control precision and positioning accuracy system. However, the performance of the TPMLM can be further enhanced by analysis and appropriate design of the internal structure. Hence, the enhancement of the performance of TPMLM deserves in-depth research.

The stator has side slots which can improve the performance of TPMLM. However, it may make the waveform of magnetic field distorted and change the energy of magnetic field according to its location. The force is volatile due to the cogging force. The volatility characteristics will impact the control accuracy of system. The force is important to maintain TPMLM. In the system, the size and volatility are the most important factors of the force. The size of force is dependent on the size of winding currents, which are not the main focus and are not illustrated in this paper. The volatility of force depends on the size of cogging force, i.e. the cogging force can be crippled by decreasing the volatility. The factors influencing the cogging force and the methods used to reduce have been demonstrated in previous literature [1-13]. Analytical solutions to investigate the coefficient, skewed slots, shape of magnetic pole which can influence the electromagnetic torque were studied to make magnet rotating motor permanent [1-8]. In [9-12], the coefficient affecting electromagnetic force and the methods to reduce the cogging force were demonstrated to improve the performance of TPMLM. In this paper, a new method to reduce the cogging force with different sizes of slots in a permanent magnet rotating motor rather than in a TPMLM is proposed. In addition, an analytical calculation of cogging force and the expressions of Gn under different sides of slots are derived.

2. TPMLM Magnetic Field Estimation

In this paper, every drop total magnetic pole in the TPMLM magnetic circuit is denoted as F and every drop air gap magnetic pole is denoted as Fδ, hence we have:

1
F=ksFδ=ksδHδ,

where ks is the magnetic circuit saturation coefficient; δ is the air gap length effectively; Hδ is the air gap magnetic field.

According to the Ohms law of magnetic circuit, the closed magnetic circuit by the permanent magnet and external magnetic circuit satisfy with the following relationship:

2
F=Hhm, σΦδ=Φm,

where hm is the width of permanent magnet; H and Φm are the magnetic field intensity and flux magnetic flow of PM; σ is the magnetic leakage factor; Φδ is the air gap flux.

Combing Eq. (1) and Eq. (2), yields:

3
ksδHδ=Hhm, σBδSδ=σμ0HδSδ=BSm.

When the demagnetizing curve of PM is a straight line, yields:

4
H=Br-Bμ0μr,

where μ0 is the air gap permanence; μr is the relative magnetic permeability of PM; Br is the remnant magnetism of PM.

Considering the existence of leakage flux, we have:

5
B=σBδ.

Combining Eqs. (3), (4) and (5), we have:

6
Bδ=Brhmσhm+μrksδ.

When the saturation of PM, leakage flux, and cogging effect are ignored, yields:

7
Bδ=Brhmhm+δ.

3. Cogging force analytical research of TPMLM

In [14], the cogging torque of the permanent magnet rotating motor was the magnetic energy W with respect to the position angle α. The TPMLM could be considered similar to the PM rotating motor, that is:

8
Tcog=-Wα.

where α is the angle between the camber line of cogging and PM and is corresponding to the cogging. It is also the relative location of stator and motor. In Fig. 1, the camber line of the PM is θ= 0.

The energy of a motor can be similarly considered in the air-gap and PM, that is:

9
WWair+PM=12μ0VB2dV.

In (8), W depends on the motor structural parameters, performance of PM, and the relative position of stator and motor.

In Eq. (6):

10
Bθ,α=Brθhmθhmθ+δθ,α.

Substitute Eq. (9) into Eq. (8), yields:

11
W=12μ0VBr2θhmθhmθ+δθ,α2dV.

Fig. 1Relative location of PM and stator

Relative location of PM and stator

3.1. The Fourier expression of Br2(θ)

When the PM in TPMLM has a uniform distribution, the distribution map of Brθ can be illustrated as shown in Fig. 2. The Fourier expansion of Br2(θ) can be expressed as:

12
Br2θ=Br0+n=1Brncos2npθ,

where Br0=αpBr2, Brn=2nπBr2sinnαpπ; p is the number of pole-pairs; Br is the remnant magnetism of PM; αP is the coefficient of PM.

Fig. 2Distribution map of Brθ

Distribution map of Brθ

3.2. Fourier expression of hmθhmθ+δθ,α2

13
hmθhmθ+δθ,α2=G0+n=1Gncosnzθ+α,

where z is the number of slots of TPMLM.

TPMLM is evolved by the rotating permanent magnet motor. Hence, the motor may move with displacement x, which is equivalent to the deflection angle of the rotating permanent magnet motor:

14
α=2πxC,

where C is the actual length of stator when it is 2π.

Fig. 3 presents a simulation model to calculate the energy of TPMLM in one pole.

Fig. 3Model for calculating TPMLM’s energy in one pole

Model for calculating TPMLM’s energy in one pole

Substitute Eqs. (11)-(13) into (10), yields:

15
W=0πDC2πC2π+δ02πBr2θhmθhmθ+δθ,α2rdθdrdL
Wα=π2zD4μ0Cπδ+δ2n=1GnB rnz2p sinnzα,

where δ is the air-gap size; D is radius axis of the motor; z is the number of slots; p is the pole pairs.

Combining (13) and (14), the cogging force can be derived as:

16
F=Wx= Wααx=π2zD4μ0δ+πCδ2n=1GnB rnz2p sinnzα.

In (15), Gn and Br have a significant impact on the cogging force. However, not all integer n can produce the cogging force, only n can make nz/2p to produce the integer. Hence, it is possible to investigate the rules of cogging force by the greatest common divisor of z and 2p. The varying rule of cogging force is periodical, and its cycles are dependent on the number of poles and slots of TPMLM, that is:

17
Np=hmhm+δx,y2,

where Np is the cycles of cogging force; GCDz,2p is the greatest common divisor.

4. Research for reducing cogging force by slots with different sizes

4.1. Expression of cogging force in different sizes of slots

In Eq. (6) the magnetic flux density is dependent on the size of the air-gap. When the sizes of slots are different, Fourier decomposition of B2rθ becomes invariable. However, hm/hm+δx,y2 is variable due to the fact that the sizes of adjacent slots are different. Hence, the cogging force can be weakened by changing the Fourier coefficient of hm/hm+δx,y2.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of stator with different sizes of slots. In Fig. 4, the length of a and b illustrates the size of adjacent slots. Fourier decomposition of hm/hm+δx,y2 is in the area of -2pπ/z,2pπ/z. The expression of Fourier decomposition can be obtained as:

18
hmhm+δx,y2=G0+n=1Gncosnzx+y2.

Fig. 4Sizes of slots in stator

Sizes of slots in stator

Assuming that the magnetic line is only passing through the cogging of stator, the air-gap length of cogging is δx=δ and the slot is δx=. At that time, hm/hm+δx,y2 in the slot part is zero, while the cogging part is hm/hm+δ2. Hence, when the sizes of slots are different, the expression of Gn can be written as:

19
G n =2nπhmhm+δ2sinnπ-nazπ4τp-sinnbzπ4τp.

Thus, the expression of cogging force can be written as:

20
F=Wx=Wααx=π2zD2μ0δ+πCδ2n=1GnB rnz4p sinnzx2,

where n is the size which can adjust nz/4p to an integer.

From Eqs. (18) and (19), one can get that: the Fourier coefficient of hm/hm+δx,y2 has a significant impact on the cogging force. However, the Fourier coefficient cannot produce the cogging force, only the Fourier coefficient of n can vary nz/4p to an integer and produce the effect. Hence, the cogging force can be weakened as long as the corresponding measurement to make the Fourier coefficient which can produce the cogging force being smaller.

4.2. Selection principle of different sizes of slots

The sizes of Gn can be distinguished by their width to determine whether it is different or not.

When the sizes of slots are equal:

21
G n =2nπhmhm+δ2sinnπ-nazπ4τp-sinnbzπ4τp.

When n is odd:

Gn=0

When n is even:

22
G n =-4nπhmhm+δ2sinnazπ4τp.

The sizes of slots are different.

When n is odd:

23
G n =2nπhmhm+δ2sinnazπ4τp-sinnbzπ4τp.

When n is even:

24
G n =-2nπhmhm+δ2sinnazπ4τp+sinnbzπ4τp.

Hence, when the n is odd, Gn in different slots is consistently larger than in the equal slots, which indicates that different slots cannot weaken the cogging force. However, when the n is even, it can vary the sizes of a and b to make Gn zero to meet the weaken of cogging force requirement. From Eqs. (24):

25
Gn=-4nπhmhm+δ2sin4pza+bπ8τpGCDz,4pcos4pza-bπ8τpGCDz,4p =-4nπhmhm+δ2sina+bπLCMz,4p8τpcosa-bπLCMz,4p8τp,

where LCM z,4p is the least common multiple z and 4p. To make Gn zero, the following relationship needs to be satisfied:

26
a+bπLCMz,4p8τp=π,2π,...,a-bπLCMz,4p8τp=π2.

The size of a and b can be obtained as:

27
a=6τpLCMz,4p,b=2τpLCMz,4p, a=10τpLCMz,4p,b=6τpLCMz,4p.

Fig. 5Cogging force contrast with slots which have same and different sizes

Cogging force contrast with slots which have same and different sizes

Take the TPMLM which has ten poles and nine slots to validate the effectiveness of whether using different slots can weaken the cogging force. In this TPMLM, n=4p/GCDz,4p. It can produce the cogging force and is an odd number. Hence, different slots can be used to reduce the cogging force.

From Eqs. (25), it can be derived that a=τp/15, b=τp/45. Fig. 5 illustrates the cogging force contrast with the slots which have the same and different sizes. In Fig. 5, the slots have reasonable sizes and can make Gn equal to zero and the cogging force changes from 25 N to 1.5 N. The size of cogging is weakened significantly.

Then the motor simulation model with different slots is analyzed in ANSYS, the results are shown in Fig. 6.

It can effectively reduce the thrust ripple of the motor, and then reduce the noise of the motor.

Fig. 6Modal analysis of stator core

Modal analysis of stator core

a) 8317 Hz

Modal analysis of stator core

b) 8431 Hz

Modal analysis of stator core

c) 9542 Hz

Modal analysis of stator core

d) 9553 Hz

5. Experiment research

To validate the method for reducing the cogging force by slots with different sizes, a prototype of ten-poles and nine-slots motor is selected in the experiment. The basic parameters of TPMLM are listed in Table 1. The experiment platform includes a prototype motor, control circuits, and test circuits. Fig.7 shows a photo of the experiment platform.

Table 1Basic parameters

Parameters
Value (mm)
Parameters
Value (mm)
Stainless steel shaft
15
Pole
10
Rotor outer diameter
30
Slot
9
Size of air-gap
1.5
Material of stator
Silicon steel
Stator outer diameter
48
Magnetization direction
Axially
Polar distance
18
Material of PM
NdFeB

The force of the prototype motor is tested to validate the effectiveness of analytical results. The force measuring principle is presented in Fig. 8.

In Fig. 8, the cogging force (Fcog) is equal to the value of load cells (F). By changing the axle position of TPMLM, different values of cogging force can be obtained. The thrust force sensor and modulator are shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 7Experimental platform

Experimental platform

Fig. 8Sketch map of force measuring principle

Sketch map of force measuring principle

Fig. 9Thrust force sensor and modulator

Thrust force sensor and modulator

When a is τp/15 and b is τp/45, force of the prototype ten-poles and nine-slots motor is tested. The forces in each point can be obtained by the static displacement method. The cogging force can be attained by subtracting the average thrust from the former obtained forces. The comparison of TPMLM cogging force between the experimental and analytical methods with two auxiliary slots is shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 10Cogging force of TPMLM with two auxiliary slots comparisons

Cogging force of TPMLM with two auxiliary slots comparisons

In Fig. 10, the cogging force of TPMLM with two auxiliary slots in which the reaction was calculated and the results were consistent with the experimental data. In Fig. 5, the cogging force of TPMLM with different slots was remarkably weakened in equal slots. Therefore, the validity of the solution is verified by the results.

The motor vibration can be used to justify the improvement of the performance. Hence, a motor vibration experiment is designed. The vibration measurement has seven measuring points in the Fig. 11. The accelerated speed of vibration is taken to indicate the motor drumming noise. The vibration measurer and accelerated speed sensor (in the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13) are used to test the performance. The accelerated speed of vibration to TPMLM are listed in the Table 2. It can be seen that the motor drumming noise has become smaller.

Fig. 11Scheme of points for measuring motor vibration

Scheme of points for measuring motor vibration

Fig. 12ECON6008vibration measurer

ECON6008vibration measurer

Fig. 13Accelerated speed sensor

Accelerated speed sensor

Table 2Accelerated speed of vibration

Measuring points
Equal slots (m2/s)
Different slots (m2/s)
1
4.02
3.76
2
0.61
0.55
3
0.51
0.5
4
0.58
0.54
5
0.46
0.42
6
0.56
0.51
7
3.88
3.25

6. Conclusions

In this paper, an analytical calculation of air-gap magnetic density has been demonstrated and an analytical calculation of cogging force has been derived by the energy method. The expression of Gn have been elicited by the formula of cogging force, which can obtain the selection law of different sizes of slots. When n is odd, Gn in the different slots is consistently larger than that in the equal slots. Therefore, different slots method cannot be used to reduce the cogging force. However, when n is even, it can change the sizes of a and b to make the Gn zero to meet the weaken of cogging force requirement. Finally, taking the prototype ten poles and nine slots motor to experiment, the cogging force was remarkably weakened and the conclusions have been validated by experimental analysis.

References

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About this article

Received
21 September 2016
Accepted
04 July 2017
Published
15 February 2018
SUBJECTS
Mechanical vibrations and applications
Erratum
The acknowledgements section was missing in the paper originally submitted and finally approved (after the acceptance) by the authors. For more information read Editor's Note.
Keywords
cogging force
size of slots
Fourier coefficient
tubular PM linear motor
Author Contributions

Pengfei Hou conceived the study that led to the submission, acquired data, and played an important role in interpreting the results. Kefeng Huang performed the experiments and analyzed the data. Puyu Wang reviewed and edited the manuscript. Jinquan Wang revised the article critically for important content. Ye Xu helped perform the analysis with constructive discussions.