Study of light electric vehicles propulsion solutions by means of finite element method based co-simulations

The paper deals with the analysis of two solutions for light electric vehicles propulsion units. The propulsion machines taken into study are the switched reluctance and variable reluctance synchronous machines. Variable reluctance machines were chosen because there are cheep and reliable machines, these being key points for such applications. The analysis is performed by means of finite element method program coupled with MATLAB-Simulink in order to simulate the machine controlled by its electronic converter. The co-simulation is chosen in order to create realistic simulation conditions for both machines. The propulsion unit in study can be used for light electric vehicles, in particular for an electric vehicle used for people with disabilities. In the paper the two possible propulsion solutions are analyzed and compared, emphasizing benefits and drawbacks for each of them. This study will help designers in future decisions to be taken when the proper solution for such applications has to be selected. The study is focused on the torque development and machines performances point of view.