Methods for Reducing Cogging Force in Permanent Magnet Machines: A Review

Permanent magnet (PM) machines inevitably suffer from cogging force, which does not contribute to the average output torque (force) but contributes as a type of torque (force) ripple. This paper provides an overview of the cogging force reduction methods for different types of PM machines. First, a systematic and comprehensive categorization of different kinds of cogging force reduction methods is given according to the reduction principle. Then, the cogging force reduction methods for different types of PM machines are analyzed and discussed based on the categorization. Finally, according to the versatility and feasibility of the cogging force reduction methods, practical methods are recommended for different types of PM machines. The categorization, analyses, and recommendations presented in the paper are useful for the design of different types of PM machines with the requirement of cogging force reduction or output torque (force) ripple suppression.