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Abstract – In the paper three analytical models of versus current characteristics calculation, which can be
switched reluctance motor (SRM) based on two done analytically, via numerical field analysis by
dimensions finite element method (2D-FEM) results employing usually the finite element method (FEM), or
are discussed. For an existing and tested sample SRM by combining the analytic and numeric calculation.
the flux linkage and the torque characteristics were Many valuable works dealing with the SRM’s
calculated via all considered models and the results mathematical models were published in the last years, as
were compared with the finite element method (FEM) [3, 4, 5, 6] where the analytical model is created using
analysis based calculated characteristics. Finally the FEM analysis results.
merits and the weak points of each model were In this paper three analytical models based on FEM
evinced. calculated flux linkage characteristics will be discussed.
In all cases the flux linkage versus current for different
Keywords: analytical models, switched reluctance rotor positions and torque characteristics were computed
motor. and compared with the results obtained via 2D-FEM
calculation for a sample 6/4 SRM.
I. INTRODUCTION The second part is dedicated to SRM’s analytical
models obtained by using few flux linkage versus
The switched reluctance motor (SRM), which was current characteristics computed via 2D-FEM analysis
baptized by Nasar in the late sixties last century, looks [3, 4, 5, 6] or measured on the test bench [7, 8]. Firstly
like a new comer in the electric machine family but has the model proposed in [3] is shortly discussed. It follows
a long history since the first SRM was built by Davidson a model proposed by Chi [4], based on a Fourier series
in 1838 in Great Britain. The SRM with true electronic aproximation of the flux linkage current characteristics.
commutated phases synchronized with rotor position has The third model, based on the concept presented in
been described by its essential features in the 70’s last [5, 6], uses, as in [4], three flux linkage versus current
century. The SRM cannot be separated from its characteristics calculated via 2D-FEM analysis to obtain
electronic supply device, controlled function of rotor an analytical model which fully consider the core
position and phase current. saturation and rotor position influence.
The various advantages of the SRM like its simple In the third part the flux linkage and torque
and robust construction, wide speed range capability, characteristics calculated via the previously presented
high starting torque and low cost, for example, make it models are given in comparison with the ones obtained
an attractive alternative to the conventional motors via 2D-FEM analysis for the same 6/4 sample SRM. The
[1, 2]. conclusions regarding the accuracy, the simplicity and
The SRM’s drive performance is strongly dependent the usefulness of the discussed models are ending the
on its design and control. The motion of the SRM is paper.
affected by the nonlinear characteristics of the magnetic
materials, with high levels of saturation passing II. SRM’S MODELS BASED ON MAGNETIC FIELD
cyclically as the rotor continuously moves from ANALYSIS RESULTS
unaligned to aligned positions with reference to
energized stator phases. This obstacle requires first the Nowadays the magnetic field analysis, via a
calculation of the flux linkages in the machine design numerical method, usually finite element method (FEM)
phase, and secondly, mathematically representing them in two or three dimensions, is a useful tool in the design
for analysis and control purposes. Therefore, the process of conventional or unconventional electric
machine’s mathematical model is very important and machines. Therefore, the flux linkage and torque versus
has to be accurate and easy to implement. A key factor current and rotor position characteristics can be
for all SRM models is constituted by the flux linkage calculated easily during the design process employing a
2D-FEM analysis procedure. Since the flux linkage λ 0 = 0.5[0.5(λ a + λ u ) + λ av ]
characteristics calculated via FEM analysis are λ 1 = 0.5(λ a − λ u ) (7)
available, they can be used to develop analytic models.
These models have a quite good accuracy and are easy λ 2 = 0.5[0.5(λ a + λ u ) − λ av ]
to be obtained.
The model developed by Roux [3] is simple and very The estimation of the flux linkage characteristics
useful for fast sizing and initial valuations in computer- function of phase current is done by a polynomial ratio,
aided designs. The magnetization curves are
approximated by three equations. One can be used to I
approximate the magnetization curve for the unaligned λ= 2
(8)
aI + bI + c
position, and the other two for the aligned position.
The unaligned flux linkage characteristic is a, b, c coefficients being calculated via a curve fitting
approximated by a straight line:
procedure for the three considered flux linkage
characteristics, even the unaligned one can be
λu = Lu I (1) approximated also by a straight line, (1).
The torque is calculated with the usual equation (5).
where the unaligned phase inductance, Lu, is the The model introduced in [5, 6] proposes a different
characteristic slope and I is the phase current. estimation of the flux linkage characteristics, even it
The curve for the aligned position is split in two uses the same three basic aligned, average and unaligned
parts. flux linkage characteristics calculated as in [4] via 2D-
When the phase current I<Is the flux can be FEM analysis. The flux linkage characteristics
determined as: estimation is given by:
λ a ( I) = L a I (2) l
λ = λ a 0r (9)
k sr
where La is the phase inductance in aligned position and The unsaturated inductance ratio l0r, which does not
Is is the saturated current. depend on current, and the saturation function ratio ksr
For the saturated region (I>Is) the flux curve is
that depends both on current and rotor position are given
estimated by using the equation: by the functions:
In the model proposed by Chi and others [4] the In order to check the models’ viability and accuracy
phase flux linkage is given by a Fourier series with they were applied on a sample 6/4 SRM which was
limited number of terms: designed, constructed and tested [7, 8]. The sample
SRM main data are given in Table 1. In [7, 8] a
λ(I, θ) = λ 0 + λ 1 cos(θ) + λ 2 cos(2θ), θ = Q r α (6) comparison between the SRM’s characteristics obtained
via 2D-FEM analysis and respectively on the test bench
the motor is made evincing the fact that they are in a
where Qr is the rotor number of poles, α is the angular
quite good agreement. Considering the fact that the 2D-
rotor displacement, and the coefficients λ0, λ1, λ2 are
FEM calculated characteristics are smoother than the
calculated function of aligned (λa), average (λav) and
tests obtained once, since the number of the calculated
unaligned (λu) flux linkage values:
values are much larger than the one obtained by tests,
the characteristics calculated via analytical models will
be compared with the 2D-FEM calculated
characteristics.
TABLE 1. Main geometric dimensions and parameters of SRM
REFERENCES