On the modeling of a TFPM by reluctance network including the saturation effect with emphasis on the leakage fluxes

This paper aims at the derivation of an accurate reluctance model of a transverse flux permanent magnet machine (TFPM) and its validation by finite element analysis (FEA).

Analytical prediction of the different reluctances in the core, the permanent magnets, and the air. These reluctances characterize the paths of both main and leakage fluxes. Then, a validation of the proposed reluctance model is carried out using FEA. An interesting application of the proposed reluctance consists in the assessment of the TFPM torque production capability.

The torque yielded by the reluctance model of the TFPM and the one computed using 3D‐FEA are in good agreement. This result is of great importance in so far as the CPU time required for 3D‐FEA computation is much more higher than the one consumed in the resolution of the reluctance model.

Further validation of the results yielded by the proposed reluctance model through their comparison with experimental measurements shall be treated in the future.

The proposed reluctance model is of great interest for the TFPM sizing. It could be useful in the pre‐design procedure of the machine.

The paper proposes a new reluctance model where the leakage fluxes are accurately predicted.