Assessment of the influences of the mutual inductances on switched reluctance machines performance

In the performance analysis of switched reluctance motors and generators, most authors neglect the effects of the mutual inductances between phases. However, mutual coupling influences the machine behavior in several ways. The aim of this paper is to discuss some of these aspects using simulation and tests results. This paper shows the simulation of a switched reluctance generator-SRG-with 3 phases, 6 stator poles and 4 rotor poles. Two simulation methods are discussed: the finite-element method coupled with circuit equations and the performance simulation using a Mathcad environment. The main features of both methods are discussed. The nature of the SRG power production is showed. The simulations and tests are conducted with the generator feeding a resistive load and constant rotor speed in the single pulse operating mode.