On the Magnetic Behavior and Steady-state Performance Estimation of a Bipolar Excited Switched Reluctance Machine

Switched reluctance machines (SRM) are gaining more attention in automotive industry by the virtue of their robust structure, high speed performance and fault tolerant nature. Bipolar excitation of SRM maintains short flux paths and achieves higher torque density and lower iron loss. This novel excitation scheme makes SRM more attractive to the vehicular applications which demand higher instantaneous torque and efficiency. The present paper provides a detailed and thorough investigation into a bipolar excited SRM in terms of its magnetic behavior and estimation of its steady-state performance. Using a microscopic level of analysis in electromagnetic response of the SRM, this paper will give a clear and insightful explanation on how bipolar excitation would affect the magnetic field and force generation in a conventional 8/6 SRM. Finite element analysis (FEA) is adopted as the tool to investigate and validate the findings.