Unlocking the Potential of Soft Magnetic Composites in Axial Flux Machines using ePOP

The use of Axial Flux Machines (AFM’s) in EV applications presents a number of challenges both in the design process as well as in volume production. Soft Magnetic Composite (SMC) materials are applied as an alternative to electrical steel laminations and promise to introduce design freedom whilst simultaneously address concerns related to production. In order to consider such machines in the early concepting phase of development, a simplified rapid modelling approach in Altair Flux is used to characterise a machine. The characterised machine including loss and performance estimations is then exported and applied in the electrified Powertrain Optimisation Process (ePOP) simulation environment, which allows a system level assessment of various powertrain candidates. A comparison of an Axial Flux Machine (using SMC) and a conventional PM radial flux machine in the same target EV application is presented.

Presented as part of the 3rd Altair Electric Propulsion Seminar in October 2022 in Silverstone, UK.

Speaker: Bence Falvy, Principal Engineer, Drive System Design
Duration: 20 minutes