Coolant pump drive: an application for switched reluctance machines

Current vehicle architectures utilize belt driven components such as the coolant pump, air-conditioner, power steering pump etc. However, the trend toward more electric vehicles requires novel applications of machines to replace these inefficient mechanical components. It is essential that the electrical machines used in automotive applications be compatible with the corresponding mechanical and electrical terminals. Furthermore, replacement of belt driven components with electrical drives, should be performed as efficient and cost effective as possible. Switched reluctance machines (SRM) are both cost effective and very robust to the effects of temperature variation. They also offer a very wide speed range and an excellent mechanical integrity, which optimally suits the coolant pump application. In this paper, we propose to utilize an 8/6 SRM to drive a coolant pump. Control and design issues of the SRM, with respect to the coolant pump application are addressed.