Control strategies and power converter topologies for switched reluctance motors in electric vehicle applications: A comprehensive review

Transportation electrification is a cornerstone in addressing climate change, primarily through the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Among various electric motor technologies, switched reluctance motors (SRMs) have emerged as promising alternatives due to their simple design, fault tolerance, and robustness. However, challenges such as torque ripple, high acoustic noise, and efficiency limitations hinder their widespread adoption. This paper presents a comprehensive review of contemporary SRM control strategies and associated power converters, aimed at improving the performance of EV applications. The study explores fundamental electromagnetic principles, highlights torque control strategies (e.g., indirect torque control, direct torque control, and artificial intelligence-based torque control), and evaluates their efficacy in minimizing torque ripple and optimizing motor performance. Additionally, the paper assesses various power converter topologies, emphasizing asymmetric half-bridge, novel integrated power converter, and T-type converters for their suitability in EV systems. Based on an extensive review, a four-phase SRM driven by a T-type converter, coupled with direct instantaneous torque control, is identified as the optimal configuration for EVs, providing a cost-effective, reliable, and high-performance solution for sustainable transportation.