Viable Arcuate Double-sided Magnetic Gear for Competitive Torque Density Transmission Capability

Abstract

Magnetic gears (MGs) offer significant potential advantages relative to conventional mechanical gears, such as: no contact, no friction, no lubrication, inherent overload protection and free from noise and vibration. Despite of these superior features they have received little attention due to complexity of operation and relatively low torque density transmission. This paper introduces a new magnetic gear topology with a highly competitive torque density transmission capability. This configuration is inspired of combination of the traditional radial and axial flux MGs. The assurance of accuracy based on a basic design of axial flux magnetic gear dimensions leading to Proof-of-Concept “Arcuate Double-Sided MG”. The Proof-of-Concept seeks to provide a better solution to the problems of flux maldistribution and concentration compared to what has been proposed previously. Thus, torque density performance of this MG is intensively augmented. The cogging torque is also computed in further simulations. However, the above requires advanced numerical techniques and hence 3-Dimensional simulations for calculating localized flux density and the corresponding torque density. Completion of this development will mark an important milestone in magnetic gear technology, and significant performance improvement will be realized.