Automated design of DC-excited flux-switching in-wheel motor using magnetic equivalent circuits

DC-excited flux-switching motors (DCEFSMs) are increasingly considered as candidate traction motors for electric vehicles due to their robust and magnet-free structure with relatively high torque density and extendable speed range. In this paper, an automated design tool based on nonlinear magnetic equivalent circuits (MEC) is initiated for the preliminary design of a 6-stator-segment 5-rotor-tooth DCEFSM used for the indirect drive in-wheel traction of electric cars. This MEC-based design tool is configured using a versatile manner that reduces the workload involved in constructing elaborate MEC models. Using this design tool, parameter sweeping is performed on the split ratio and back iron height of the motor to maximize the torque production with different constraints of flux density. The accuracy of this design tool is validated using finite element analysis.