Novel Two-phase Switched Reluctance Machine using Common-Pole E-Core Structure: Concept, Analysis, and Experimental Verification

A novel two-phase switched reluctance machine (SRM) with a stator comprised of E-core structure having minimum stator core iron is proposed. The E-core stator has three poles with two poles at the ends having windings and with the center pole containing no copper windings. The center stator pole in the E-core is shared by both phases during operation. The air gap around the common pole has constant and minimum reluctance irrespective of rotor position by its unique design and the two remaining stator poles at the ends experience variable reluctance with respect to rotor position. The stator is constructed with two independent and physically separate E- cores and the rotor is comprised of ten poles. Other pole combinations are possible. Phase excitation in the novel SRM gives short flux paths, hence reducing the magnetomotive force (MMF) required to drive the machine resulting in significant reduction of copper wire and core-losses compared to existing two-phase SRMs with flux-paths that traverse the entire stator back iron. The concept and principle of operation of this novel SRM and its comparison and contrast to existing two-phase SRMs are detailed in this paper. Comparison between finite element simulations and magnetic equivalent circuit analysis for inductance are made and compared to experimentally measured characteristics. Furthermore, a comparison between a conventional two-phase SRM and the novel SRM is be made in terms of its weight and output torque. Manufacturability and cost savings of the unique SRM structure are presented. It is shown that E-core SRM using common-pole SRM has 50% less iron in the magnetic path compared to the conventional two- phase SRM.