Comparative study of Switched Reluctance Motors performances for two current distributions and excitation modes

This paper presents a 3-phase, 6-slot, and 4-pole mutually coupled switched reluctance motor (MCSRM 6/4) with new current distribution. This kind of SRMs has both the merits of conventional SRMs and fully pitched SRMs, i.e.finite element method (FEM) between conventional and mutually coupled SRMs, in terms of self flux-linkage and inductance per phase, mutual flux-linkage and inductance between phases, and output torque is realized. The conventional SRM is excited in unipolar mode, while the MCSRM is excited in bipolar overlapping mode. With a high coupling between phases for MCSRM, mutual inductances are employed to produce torque. Furthermore, the flux pathways are separated and distributed between phases, this leads to a less sensitivity to magnetic saturation. At high current density and high conduction angle, the MCSRM has a higher output torque and a lower torque ripple. Thus, comparing to conventional SRMs, the MCSRM shorter end-windings and higher torque density. A comparison based on finite element method (FEM) between conventional and mutually coupled SRMs, in terms of self flux-linkage and inductance per phase, mutual flux-linkage and inductance between phases, and output torque is realized. The conventional SRM is excited in unipolar mode, while the MCSRM is excited in bipolar overlapping mode. With a high coupling between phases for MCSRM, mutual inductances are employed to produce torque. Furthermore, the flux pathways are separated and distributed between phases, this leads to a less sensitivity to magnetic saturation. At high current density and high conduction angle, the MCSRM has a higher output torque and a lower torque ripple. Thus, comparing to conventional SRMs, the MCSRM is more outstanding for starter-generator applications (hybrid vehicles, aerospace) which needs high output torque.