Halbach End-Cladding for Magnetic Gears With Lower End-Effect Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial magnetic gears suffer from significant end-effect losses, which reduce their overall efficiency and torque transmission, contributing to inefficiencies in magnetic gear systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Halbach array cladding magnets on the axial ends of the magnetically-geared machine, which focus magnetic flux and mitigate end-effect losses by optimizing the arrangement and tilt of these magnets to enhance magnetic efficiency and torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional magnetic gear systems are used, then the design is simpler compared to mechanical gears, but end-effect losses reduce overall efficiency and torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic gear system is segmented by adding separate Halbach array cladding magnets on the axial ends of the inner and outer rotors. This segmentation allows the end regions to be independently optimized for flux containment, reducing end-effect losses without redesigning the entire magnetic gear structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Halbach array cladding magnets are applied specifically to the axial end regions where end-effects occur, rather than uniformly across the entire rotor. This local application optimizes flux distribution precisely where needed, reducing energy losses without adding unnecessary complexity to other parts of the system.
2Loss of energy
If the axial length of magnetic gear system is increased to reduce end-effect losses, then efficiency improves, but the size and weight of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
Halbach array cladding magnets are integrated with the inner and outer rotors to form a composite magnetic structure. This composite design enhances flux containment and reduces end-effect losses without requiring a proportional increase in the overall axial length or weight of the machine.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the axial length to mitigate end-effects, the solution transitions to a different dimensional approach by implementing Halbach array configurations on the axial ends. This dimensional change allows flux optimization in the radial and azimuthal directions, reducing losses without increasing axial dimensions or weight.
3Productivity
If Halbach array cladding magnets are added to reduce end-effect losses, then torque transmission efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Halbach array cladding magnets serve multiple functions: they contain magnetic flux at the axial ends, reduce end-effect losses, and enhance torque transmission efficiency. This multi-functionality allows a single structural addition to address multiple performance objectives without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Halbach array cladding magnets are nested on the axial ends of the existing inner and outer rotors, integrating the flux-containment function within the existing magnetic gear structure. This nesting approach adds the necessary complexity minimally while achieving improved torque transmission efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration results in a 12% increase in specific torque output for magnetic gear systems of the same size or weight, effectively reducing end-effect losses and improving torque transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Halbach array cladding magnets are, in some embodiments, permanent magnetic materials that have a magnetization vector with a non-zero axial component. The permanent magnets of the Halbach array cladding magnets are arranged to focus magnetic flux towards one side of the array.
Implementation Method 2
The permanent magnets of the Halbach array cladding magnets are arranged to focus magnetic flux towards one side of the array.
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic gears (MGs) that transmit torque and motion via magnetic coupling can provide low maintenance cost and low noise to electrical drives.
Implementation Method 4
Magnetic gears are devices which exploit modulation of rotor magnetic field harmonics to perform gearing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary axial cladding magnet magnetically-geared machine is disclosed comprising Halbach array cladding magnets located on the axial ends of the magnetically-geared machine. The Halbach array cladding magnets can be used to increase the magnetic efficiency and torque transmission of the magnetically-geared machine by mitigating end-effect losses.