Evaluation of a Reluctance Synchronous Motor: For use in an Electric Mine Shuttle Vehicle (EMSV)

Research interest in Electric vehicles has grown over the years due to growing environmental concerns, and rising fuel costs. Research into electric cars can draw upon an existing knowledge base of niche electric vehicles, such as specialized trucks and mine shuttles. Existing Electric Mine Shuttle Vehicles (EMSVs) use an Induction Machine (IM) and drive combination. As extensive research into Reluctance Synchronous Machines (RSM) already exists, an RSM was designed as a drop in replacement for the IM using the same frame-size and stator design. The rotor was redesigned for RSM operation, using FEA (Finite Element Analysis), to replace the existing squirrel cage rotor. This prototype RSM rotor design was simulated, built and tested extensively under static conditions to validate the FEA simulation results. A high level of agreement was achieved between the theoretical and experimental results. These experimental results showed that the RSM could produce 34% more torque than the IM with 29% more current, due to its improved construction.