Switched-Reluctance Motor Torque Characteristics: Finite-Element Analysis and Test Results

The switched-reluctance motor is a simple and robust machine which is finding application over a wide power and speed range. To properly evaluate the motor design and performance and the effectiveness of different control schemes, an accurate model is required. The finite-element method can be used to predict the performance of the switched-reluctance motor as it can account for the salient pole geometry of the stator and rotor and the nonlinear properties of the magnetic materials. The computed results are shown to compare favorably with test results from a 7.5-kW Oulton switched-reluctance motor.