Analysis of a Coaxial Magnetic Gear Optimally Designed Using Particle Swarm Optimization

One important key to improve the efficiency of adjustable speed drives is using magnetic gears due to their advantages in comparison to their mechanical counterparts. This paper introduces an analysis study for a magnetic gear optimally designed using the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO). Moreover, the results of the PSO-based design are compared with the results of another optimization design process based on a genetic algorithm for the same design parameters and constraints. The proposed magnetic gear topology to be optimized is a radially magnetized coaxial configuration with a surface-mounted permanent magnet array. The gear ratio of the proposed magnetic gear is chosen to be 3.5 while the cogging factor sets at one. Using PSO in magnetic gear design aims to facilitate torque transmission in the maximum possible value while minimizing torque ripples. The performance analysis of torque results and flux density waveforms of the proposed magnetic gear is conducted through the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The results analysis of the proposed magnetic gear shows superior torque production with minimal ripples and customized dimensions thanks to the PSO-based design.