Three Phase-Single Stack Axial Flux Switching Alternator for Wind Energy Systems a Comparative Study

Axial Flux switching machine (AFSM) is a doubly salient, brushless, high frequency machine. Due to its unique brushless construction, it is considered the outstanding candidate to be used as an alternator in wind energy systems as well as traction systems. The present paper introduces a new configuration for the axial flux switching machine. The new design is constructed as a salient structure machine with three phase windings wound on the stator poles along with a concentrated field windings. The rotor has salient pole structure without windings or permanent magnets. Such construction can be arranged in two configurations. First, the double- sided stator included between two single sided rotors. The latter, a double-sided rotor included between two single sided stators. A complete comparison has been made between the performance of the two arrangements that have been studied theoretically using Ansys Maxwell software program. Two single-sided stators including double sided rotor have been built and examined experimentally to verify the theoretical results. The results reveal that there are main differences between the flux distribution of the two configurations from the side view of existing back iron betweenthe poles. Such configuration gives a very important statement that must be considered during the machine design.