A Reluctance Mesh-Based Modeling Method for Electromagnetic Characterization and Radial Force Calculation in Switched Reluctance Machines

Abstract

Switched Reluctance Machines (SRMs) are gaining more attention due to their simple and rugged construction, low manufacturing cost, and high-speed operation capability. An electromagnetic model of the machine is needed in the design and analysis processes. The required accuracy level of the model depends mainly on the application.

Designing an SRM is an iterative process. Usually, finite element method (FEM) is employed in all design stages, which might require extensive computation burden. The magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) method is an alternative for typical FEM. MEC models require less computational resources and they can help determine the electromagnetic performance with a reasonable accuracy. The conventional MEC method can be challenging when modifying the motor geometry while conducting dynamic analysis with current control. This thesis proposes a reluctance mesh-based MEC model for SRMs that can overcome those challenges. Reluctance mesh-based MEC models are developed for 3-phase 6/4, 6/16, 12/8 SRMs and 4-phase 8/6, 8/10, and 16/12 SRMs. The implemented MEC-based modeling method is validated using FEM and experimental results.

Acoustic noise and vibration is one of the shortcomings of an SRM. The radial force density in the airgap should be calculated before analyzing and mitigating acoustic noise and vibration. This thesis proposes a radial force density calculation method for SRMs using the proposed MEC model. Fourier series is used to calculate the harmonics of the radial force density. The results obtained from the MEC model are verified using FEM models.

SRM is a promising candidate for electric propulsion systems. In the design process of an SRM, the motor geometry needs to be determined. This thesis applies the proposed MEC technique to the design process of a 3-phase 12/16 SRM for a high lift motor in the NASA Maxwell X-57 electric aircraft. The design is verified using the results computed from FEM.