Rotor magnet positioning device

A method of assembling a rotor for a permanent magnet electrical machine, the method comprising:

• providing a rotor;
• providing a magnet positioning device that includes a body having a first side and a second side, the first side comprising a plurality of recesses;
• providing a plurality of magnets, the plurality of magnets configured to be positioned at least partially within the plurality of recesses;
• inserting the plurality of magnets into the recesses in the first side of the body of the magnet positioning device;
• bringing a ferrous object into contact with the second side of the body of the magnet positioning device such that the ferrous object is adhered to the magnet positioning device by magnetic forces generated by the plurality of magnets and the plurality of magnets are held within the recesses by the magnetic forces;
• attaching the first side of the body of the device to the rotor such that the magnets are held in a fixed position against the rotor;
• and
• removing the ferrous object from the second side of the body.

A permanent magnet electrical machine comprising:

• a stator;
• a rotor configured to rotate with respect to said stator, wherein said rotor and said stator are separated by an air gap there between;
• a plurality of magnets;
• and
• a magnet positioning device comprising a body having a first side which is configured to be coupled to said rotor, and a second side which, in an assembled machine, faces the air gap, said first side of said body comprises a plurality of recesses therein for receiving said plurality of magnets, said plurality of recesses configured to separate each magnet of said plurality of magnets from other magnets of the plurality of magnets, said magnet positioning device configured to secure said plurality of magnets in a fixed position against said rotor.