Coreless Multidisc Axial Flux PM Machine with Carbon Nanotube Windings

Coreless axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines are attracting increasing attention due to their compact structure and high torque density. The torque to weight ratio can be further enhanced by the use of alternate conductor materials, such as carbon nanotube (CNT), or aluminum windings in place of the copper material coils. This paper proposes a coreless AFPM synchronous motor with CNT windings. Analytical equations are developed to allow a systematic comparison of machine designs with different conductor materials. The performance of machine designs with different coil materials, namely, copper, aluminum, and CNT, is evaluated and compared. The calculations are also backed by 3-D finite-element analysis.