Summary
Although Vernier machines have been introduced a long ago, their description, applications, and design improvement have been recently proposed. This paper reviews different types of linear Vernier machine. Their description and theoretical base of the performance are presented. The performance of the motor is improved by reducing the cogging force, increasing the power factor, and enhancing force density. Stator and translator structures, the arrangement of magnets, and the type of coils of permanent magnet (PM) Vernier machines are reviewed and classified. Then, the electromagnetic performance prediction and energy conversion process in the machine is described. The magnetic field distribution and air gap permeance analysis indicate that such analysis is very complicated than that of other PM machines. Impacts of variations of dimensions in the machine such as the number of modulators on the modulus width and thickness of the mover PMs on the load characteristics (cogging torque and Back‐EMF) are addressed. Besides, principles of operation of flux modulation machines are presented and the shape and dimensions of the modulators are optimized. Finally, a 150 W linear PM Vernier generator is designed and prototyped to the energy harvested by the ocean wave.