Axial-flux permanent-magnet motor for direct-drive elevator systems without machine room

This paper deals with design and construction of two twin prototypes of slotless axial-flux permanent-magnet motor drives jointly developed by SIMINOR Ascenseurs and the University of Rome for application in direct-drive elevator systems without a machine room. Each prototype of pulley-direct-drive motor is rated 5 kW, 95 rev/min, and has a shaft height of 380 mm and overall axial thickness of about 80 mm. Machine design based on unusual specification and original manufacturing solutions adopted for the proposed direct-drive elevator arrangement are discussed throughout the paper, including the leading dimensions and characteristics of the prototype motors. Finally, experimental results taken from the machine prototypes are reported.