Robust torque- and torque-per-inertia optimization of a switched reluctance motor using the Taguchi methods

This paper presents the use of Taguchi methods for optimizing a switched reluctance motor (SRM) for applications requiring fast actuation. In these applications, the SRM is designed to provide a high electromagnetic torque to inertia ratio required for high rates of mechanical acceleration. This is accomplished through two simultaneous robust optimizations of a switched reluctance motor; that is, an optimization of the motor torque and an optimization of the torque-per-inertia (mechanical acceleration). The Taguchi two-step optimization method as well as the zero-point-proportional dynamic response were used successfully in the double optimization. Two orthogonal arrays (OA) were used to lead the design of experiments (DOE). Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to compute the performance of the motor designs generated by the Taguchi DOE