Parasitic Currents in Stray Paths of Some Topologies of YASA AFPM Machines: Trend with Machine Size

In some topologies of yokeless and segmented armature (YASA) axial flux permanent-magnet (AFPM) machines, the particular frame structure required to fasten floating teeth can originate stray paths where parasitic currents may circulate. This paper investigates how the amplitude of these currents and the related additional Joule losses depend on the machine size. Reference is made to wind energy generators, rated from some tens of kilowatts up to a few megawatts. The developed model is mainly based on wind turbine basic data of vendor data sheets, and on the quantities evaluated and tested in two YASA AFPM prototypes, rated 50 and 200 kW.