Multi-segment-primary (MSP) ironless Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Machine (PMLSM) can be widely applied in long primary, long stroke, and heavy load applications. Therefore, an accurate armature reaction field analysis is very important to control this novel topology motor. In order to simplify the research process, a two-segment-primary (TSP) ironless PMLSM in this article was proposed as the smallest unit. The analytical models of the armature reaction field of the motor based on the subdomain method (SDM) were established considering the finite length of the segment-primary (SP) and the interval distance between the TSP. Then, the coupling effect between the TSP and the end effect of the TSP on the armature reaction field were quantitatively analyzed. Furthermore, the coupling inductance between the TSP can be analytically calculated, which is influenced by the coupling effect. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed models, a prototype of the 24s/28p TSP ironless PMLSM was manufactured and tested. It was shown that the proposed models match well with the simulated and experimental results. As well, the maximum variation rate of the end coupling inductance was about 50.13%.

Traditionally, synchronous motion among multi-module permanent magnet linear synchronous motors (PMLSM) has been achieved by adopting independent power supply and control. This method, however, requires multiple drivers and has control time delays. This paper proposes a novel approach to overcome these drawbacks, in which the windings of each module connect in series. Aiming at this electrical connection, we conduct research on electromagnetic and synchronous characteristics. Firstly, a two-module PMLSM is created as a case. Secondly, accurate mathematical models considering coupling inductance for this novelty structure are established, which are essential to driving control. The synchronous characteristics of the two-module are then compared with the independent control of each module. Furthermore, this comparison is conducted under both external and no external disturbance. Finally, experimental results verify the correctness of mathematical models, and reveal that this novel technique could eliminate control time delay and acquire better anti-disturbance performance between the two-module.