High performance, direct drive machines for aerospace applications

For aerospace related electric systems, torque/force density, reliability and fault tolerance are of the utmost importance. A method by which high figures of reliability can be achieved is by eliminating any mechanical gearing or interconnection elements between the electrical machine and its mechanical load. This means that direct drive, electrical machines must be employed. However, to implement such solutions (without any mechanical advantages), electrical machines with excellent torque density (for rotational machines) and force density (for linear machines) performances are required. In this work, the main aim is to propose and investigate possible methods for extending and improving the torque/force density capabilities of high performance, state of the art, electrical machines (both rotational and linear). This is done in order to be able to meet the performance requirements while lacking the mechanical advantages synonymous with gearing and/or mechanical interconnections. Novel electro-magnetic and thermal management structures, detailed design and optimisation procedures for electrical machines are presented in this thesis. As vehicles to investigate these novel concepts, a tubular linear, permanent magnet motor and a rotational, synchronous permanent magnet motor are designed, built and experimentally tested.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo