Search

Purpose: This paper aims to present an adaptive method based on finite element analysis to calculate iron losses in switched reluctance motors (SRMs). Calculation of iron losses by analytical formulas has limited accuracy. On the other hand, its estimation in rotating electrical machines through fully dynamic simulations with a fine time-step is time-consuming. However, in the initial design process, a quick and sufficiently accurate method, i.e. a value close to that of iron losses, is always welcome. The method presented in this paper is a semi-analytical approach. The main problem is that iron losses depend on d B/d t. Therefore, the accuracy of the calculation of iron losses depends on the accuracy of the calculation of the first derivative of the flux density waveform. When adopting a magnetostatic model to estimate the iron losses, an important question arises: by how many magnetostatic simulations can the iron losses be estimated within the desired accuracy? In the proposed algorithm, the aim is not to accurately calculate the value of iron losses in SRMs. The objective is to find a numerical error criterion to calculate iron losses in SRMs with a minimum number of magnetostatic simulations. Design/methodology/approach: A finite element solver is developed by authors in MATLAB to solve the 2 D nonlinear magnetostatic problem using the Newton–Raphson method. A parametric program is developed to create geometry and mesh. The proposed method is implemented in MATLAB using the developed solver. Counterpart simulations are done in the ANSYS Maxwell software to validate the accuracy of the results generated by the developed solver. Findings: The performance of the proposed method is studied on a 12/8 (500 W) SRM. Three scenarios are studied. The first one is the calculation of iron losses by uniform refinement, and the second one is by adaptive refinement, and the last one is by adaptive refinement started by particular initial points (switching points). According to the results, the proposed method substantially reduces the number of magnetostatic simulations without sacrificing accuracy. Originality/value: The main novelty of this paper is introducing an error criterion to find the minimum number of magnetostatic simulations that are needed to calculate iron losses with the desired accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze electromagnetic performance and develop an analytical approach to find the suitable coil combination and no-load flux linkage of the proposed hybrid excited consequent pole flux switching machine (HECPFSM) while minimizing the drive storage and computational time which is the main problem in finite element analysis (FEA) tools. Design/methodology/approach: First, a new HECPFSM based on conventional consequent pole flux switching permanent machine (FSPM) is proposed, and lumped parameter magnetic network model (LPMNM) is developed for the initial analysis like coil combination and no-load flux linkage. In LPMNM, all the parts of one-third machine are modeled which helps in reduction of drive storage, computational complexity and computational time without affecting the accuracy. Second, self and mutual inductance are calculated in the stator, and dq-axis inductance is calculated using park transformation in the rotor of the proposed machine. Furthermore, on-load performance analysis, like average torque, torque density and efficiency, is done by FEA. Findings: The developed LPMNM is validated by FEA via JMAG v. 19.1. The results obtained show good agreement with an accuracy of 96.89%. Practical implications: The proposed HECPFSM is developed for high-speed brushless AC applications like electric vehicle (EV)/hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Originality/value: The proposed HECPFSM offers better flux regulation capability with enhanced electromagnetic performance as compared to conventional consequent pole FSPM. Moreover, the developed LPMNM reduces drive storage and computational time by modeling one-third of the machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to establish a piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of bearingless switched reluctance motor (BSRM) for the full rotor angular positions. The proposed model varies from the existing models, which are only applicable to the partial-overlapping positions of stator and rotor poles. By extending the applicable rotor angular positions, this model provides a basic analytical model for the multi-phase excitation control of BSRM. Design/methodology/approach: The full rotor angular positions are classified into the partial-overlapping positions and the non-overlapping positions. At first, two different air gap subdividing methods are proposed, respectively, for the two-position ranges. Then, different integration paths are selected accordingly. Furthermore, two approximate methods are presented to calculate the average flux density of each air gap subdivision. Finally, considering the mutual coupling between the two perpendicular radial suspension forces, a piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model is derived for the full rotor angular positions of BSRM. Findings: A piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of BSRM is built for the full rotor angular positions, and applicable to the multi-phase excitation mode of BSRM. For the partial-overlapping positions and the non-overlapping positions, two sets of air gap subdividing methods, integration paths and approximate calculation methods of air gap flux densities are proposed, respectively. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed model are verified by the finite element method. Originality/value: The piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of BSRM for the full rotor angular positions is proposed for the first time. The novel air gap subdividing methods, integration paths, approximate calculation methods of air gap flux densities and the coupling between the two radial suspension forces are adopted to improve the modeling accuracy. As the applicable range of rotor angular position is extended, this model overcomes the limitation of the existing models only for single-phase excitation mode and contributes to the accurate control of BSRM multi-phase excitation mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to propose the model for analyzing the electromagnetic performances of permanent magnet vernier machines (PMVMs) under healthy and faulty conditions. Design/methodology/approach: The model uses interconnected reluctance network formed based on the geometrical approximations to predict magnetic performances of the machine. The network consists of several types of reluctances for modeling different parts of machine. Applying Kirchhoffs laws in the network and the machine windings, magnetic and electrical equations are obtained, respectively. To construct the model system of equations, the electrical equation is converted into algebraic form by using the trapezoidal technique. Moreover, the system of equations must be solved by Newton–Raphson method in each step-time because of considering the core saturation effect. Findings: The proposed model is developed based on the modified magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) method, in which the number of flux paths in different parts of the machine can be arbitrary selected. The saturation effect, skewed slots, the desired machine geometrical parameters and various winding arrangements are included in the proposed model; therefore, it can evaluate the time and space harmonics in modeling the PMVMs. Furthermore, a pattern for inter-turn fault detection is extracted from the stator current spectrum. Finally, 2 D-finite element method (FEM) and 3 D-FEM analysis are carried out to evaluate and verify the results of the proposed MEC model. Originality/value: Generally, the element numbers have important role in modeling the machine and calculating its performance. Hence, the proposed MEC model's capability to choose desired number of flux paths is advantage of this paper. Moreover, the developed MEC can be used for analyzing several electrical machines, including other types of vernier machines, with simple modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: High torque ripple is the significant challenge of the synchronous reluctance machine in household electric appliances, electric vehicles and so on. This paper aims to present an optimized design of a synchronous reluctance rotor structure to reduce the torque ripple with improving the average torque by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Design/methodology/approach: The optimization of rotor geometries has been investigated. Most of the rotor parameters such as the width of iron parts, the width of barriers along d and q axes and the endpoint angle of barriers are optimized by a new method using the PSO algorithm. After optimization, the resulted optimum design along with the initial design is simulated by two-dimensional finite element method and results are compared. At the end, a prototype is constructed and tested. Results of the experiment are compared with the simulation results where acceptable adoption is yielded. Findings: Minimizing the torque ripple without losing the average torque is an important achievement of the synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) optimization; furthermore, the finite element analysis and experimental results indicate that the torque ripple of the SynRM with the optimized rotor is reduced significantly. Also, increasing the number of optimization parameters can effectively obtain an accurate shape of the SynRM barrier. Originality/value: Because of the high number of parameters in synchronous reluctance rotors, the majority of proposed optimizations did not use all geometric parameters of the rotor and tried to simplify the optimization by ignoring several optimization parameters or reducing the number of flux barriers. In this optimization, most of the rotor parameters have been used to achieve the precise barrier shape with the aim of reducing the torque ripple in SynRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to design the rotor geometry of switched reluctance motor (SRM) in a completely flexible way. In the proposed method, there is no default geometry for the rotor. The initial geometry of the rotor can start from a circle or any other shape and depending on the required performance takes the final shape during the optimal design. In this way, the best performance, possible with geometric design, can be achieved. Design/methodology/approach: The rotor boundary of a 4/2 SRM is defined by a few B-splines. Some control points are located around the rotor and changing their locations causes customized changes in the rotor boundary. Locations of these points are defined as design variables. A 2-D finite element analysis using MATLAB/PDE is applied to the SRM model and sensitivity analysis is used to optimization design by means of minimizing of objective function. Findings: The proposed method has many more capabilities for matching different objective functions. For the suggested objective function, while the conventional rotor torque profile difference with the desired torque profile reaches 40%, this difference for B-spline rotor is about 17%. Experimental results from a prototype motor have a close agreement with analysis results. Originality/value: The B-splines have been used to design machines and electromagnetic devices. However, this method is used for the first time in design of the whole rotor of a SRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The torque ripple and fault-tolerant capability are the two main problems for the switched reluctance motors (SRMs) in applications. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to propose a novel 16/10 segmented SRM (SSRM) to reduce the torque ripple and improve the fault-tolerant capability in this work. Design/methodology/approach: The stator of the proposed SSRM is composed of exciting and auxiliary stator poles, while the rotor consists of a series of discrete segments. The fault-tolerant and torque ripple characteristics of the proposed SSRM are studied by the finite element analysis (FEA) method. Meanwhile, the characteristics of the SSRM are compared with those of a conventional SRM with 8/6 stator/rotor poles. Finally, FEA and experimental results are provided to validate the static and dynamic characteristics of the proposed SSRM. Findings: It is found that the proposed novel 16/10 SSRM for the application in the belt-driven starter generator (BSG) possesses these functions: less mutual inductance and high fault-tolerant capability. It is also found that the proposed SSRM provides lower torque ripple and higher output torque. Finally, the experimental results validate that the proposed SSRM runs with lower torque ripple, better output torque and fault-tolerant characteristics, making it an ideal candidate for the BSG and similar systems. Originality/value: This paper presents the analysis of torque ripple and fault-tolerant capability for a 16/10 segmented switched reluctance motor in hybrid electric vehicles. Using FEA simulation and building a test bench to verify the proposed SSRM's superiority in both torque ripple and fault-tolerant capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison between reluctance synchronous machine-enabling work at high internal temperature (HT° machine) with laminated and solid rotor. Design/methodology/approach: To obtain heat sources for the thermal model, calculations of the electromagnetic field were made using the Opera 3D program including effect of rotation and the resulting eddy current losses. To analyse the thermal phenomenon, the 3D coupled thermal-fluid (CFD) model is used. Findings: The presented results show clearly that laminated construction is much better from a point of view of efficiency and temperature. However, solid construction can be interesting for high speed machines due to their mechanical robustness. Research limitations/implications: The main problem, despite the use of parallel calculations, is the long calculation time. Practical implications: The obtained simulation and experimental results show the possibility of building a machine operating at a much higher ambient temperature than it was previously produced for example in the vicinity of the aircraft turbines. Originality/value: The paper presents the application of fully three-dimensional coupled electromagnetic and thermal analysis of new machine constructions designed for elevated temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the saturation and nonlinear performance of magnetic field in the air gap of switched reluctance motor (SRM).Design/methodology/approach The analytical method of sub-domain combined with the saturation compensation method is used to determine the nonlinear distribution of air gap magnetic field in SRM. Also, the resolutions of the two-dimensional (2D) Laplace’s equation and Poisson’s equation in polar coordinates are used to obtain the simplified expression of magnetic flux density.Findings For verifying the effectiveness of analytical model, the results are compared with those obtained from the 2D finite element method (FEM). The influence of magnetic saturation is taken into account by associating the sub-domain analysis result with the nonlinear B-H properties of stator and rotor iron. The magnetic flux density in radial and tangential direction considering the saturation effect may be calculated accurately. It can be seen that one can easily determine the linear analytical results accurately, whereas it is difficult to determine the magnetic flux density with saturation influence; especially at some local positions, there is a larger difference between analytical and FE model due to the complex boundary conditions.Practical implications This paper presents the development and optimization design of high-performance SRM.Originality/value The magnetic saturation may be taken into account for the SRM and analytical models support to simulated system performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose An improved analytical method for calculating the natural frequencies of a switched reluctance motor (SRM) stator is proposed in this paper. The method is different from traditional analytical methods, which only consider the influence of mass of the stator poles and windings on the natural frequencies of the SRM stator. This paper aims to consider the influence of stiffness and mass of the stator poles and windings simultaneously and reasonably.Design/methodology/approach An innovated analytical method based on the electromechanical analogy method is presented. In the proposed analytical formulae for calculating the natural frequencies, the influence of the windings on natural frequencies is considered by using the springs to simulate the flexible connection between the stator core and windings, and the stator poles are treated as both additional mass and additional equivalent stiffness. Both three-dimensional (3D) finite-element analysis (FEA) and experimental modal analysis results validate the improved method.Findings The influence of the mass and stiffness of stator winding is considered by using the springs to simulate the flexible connection between the stator core and windings, and the stator poles are treated as both additional mass and additional equivalent stiffness. The traditional analytical method only considers the influence of mass. Therefore, the calculation results are comparatively lower than 3D FEA results and may lead to a large error. The 3D FEA and experimental modal analysis confirm that the proposed method has good precision for low-order natural frequency calculation of SRMs.Originality/value An improved analytical method for calculating the natural frequencies of an SRM stator is proposed. Unlike the traditional analytical method, the proposed method can consider the influence of stiffness and mass of the stator poles and windings. This method is valuable for designers to predict the natural frequencies accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Synchronous Reluctance (SynRel) motors are known to suffer from excessive torque ripples. The classical way to avoid this drawback of the motor is skewing the slots. This paper aims to provide an analytic estimation of the best skew angle to minimize the ripples in such SynRel motors with tooth windings. The approach used in this paper consists of the minimization of the spectral components of the magnetic energy that cause these oscillation torques. The method was validated by means of a multi-slice finite element model (FEM).Design/methodology/approach An analytic model, based on permeance theory, is derived to analyse the electromagnetic phenomena taking place inside of the motor. This model allows the identification of the causes underlying the torque ripple production. Based on this understanding, the most suitable skew angle can be determined. The analytic method, together with the best skew angle, is validated by means of an FEM of a SynRel machine.Findings A method to determine the optimum skew angle for a SynRel machine is presented. It depends on the wave-number of the magnetic waves producing the torque ripple. It is twice the one typically chosen for induction machines.Practical/implications The proposed approach allows improving on the design methodology for the production of smoothly running SynRel machines.Originality/value The methodology utilized in this paper is based on the relationship between the mechanical torque and the magnetic energy stored in the motor (virtual work law). From this, the best skew angle to eliminate the magnetic energy causing torque ripple can be determined. It, therefore, proposes an effective alternative to the common use of inductance models to determine such angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance machine (PMASynRM) using ferrite magnets with the same power density as rare-earth PM synchronous motors used in Toyota Prius 2010.Design/methodology/approach A novel rotor structure with rectangular PMs is discussed with respect to the demagnetization of ferrite magnets and mechanical strength. Some electromagnetic characteristics including torque, output power, loss and efficiency are calculated by 2D finite element analysis.Findings The results of the analysis show that a high power density and high efficiency for PMASynRM can be achieved using ferrite magnets.Originality/value This paper proposes a novel rotor structure of PMASynRM with low-cost ferrite magnets that achieves high power density as permanent machines with rare-earth PMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to comparatively study a synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM) and a permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machine (PMASynRM) as alternatives of the interior permanent magnet synchronous machine (IPMSM), and to investigate the performance and conclude both advantages and disadvantages. Design/methodology/approach – A unified mathematical model is established for the IPMSM, SynRM and PMASynRM. Then finite element method (FEM) is used to compare the electromagnetic performance. Permeability-frozen method is utilized to distinguish basic electromagnetic torque and reluctance torque. Findings – The PMASynRM can improve the power factor of the SynRM, overcome the drawback of the IPMSM in the high-speed flux-weakening region and is more proper to operate over a wide speed region. The SynRM is mechanically robust for lacking of the permanent magnets, and the PMASynRM can keep similar rotor stress as the SynRM by optimizing the magnets. Assembly of the SynRM is the simplest, and the economic performance of the SynRM and PMASynRM could be much better than the IPMSM which even uses ferrite magnets. Practical/implications – The SynRM can produce identical torque and efficiency compared with the IPMSM except the poor power factor. The poor power factor could be improved by adopting the PMASynRM, which is proved to be able to act as an alternative of the IPMSM for low-cost high-performance application. Originality/value – This paper provides the theoretical model of the IPMSM, SynRM and PMASynRM in a unified format. The electromagnetic, mechanical and economic performances of the three kinds of synchronous motors are compared comprehensively. Then, both the advantages and disadvantages are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to propose a new three-phase switched reluctance motor (SRM), and achieve high-torque and low-cost. This new SRM's winding configuration uses the double- layer distributed windings, which is different from the conventional SRM's single tooth coils. Design/methodology/approach -- The operating principle of new SRM is analyzed, and the voltage equation and the generated torque are deduced. Finite element method (FEM) and finite element circuit coupled method are utilized to evaluate the new motor's operating performances. The two dimensional (2D) frequency response analysis model is employed in the FEM model. Based on the 2D frequency response analysis model, the magnetic field distribution, self-inductance, and mutual-inductance for the new SRM are analyzed in detail. A co-simulation model using FE analysis package and Matlab-Simulink is proposed to simulate the new SRM drive. The simulated and experimental results verify the new SRM. Findings -- For the new SRM with double-layer distributed windings, a co-simulation method is proposed to analyze its characteristics. The new SRM presents lower torque ripple coefficient and generates larger torque than the conventional SRM, with three-wire and standard full bridge power converter, rather than six-wire and asymmetric half-bridge converter for conventional SRM. Originality/value -- This paper proposes a new SRM with the double-layer distributed windings driven by a standard full bridge inverter. In order to calculate dynamic characteristics of the new SRM, a co-simulation method using FEM and Simulink is proposed to simulate the new SRM drive, where the power inverter and the current chopping control algorithm are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present comparative analysis of several configurations of the switched reluctance motor (SRM) for an in-wheel drive for a heavy-duty automotive series hybrid system. The SRM motor is regarded as one of the primary candidates for possible replacement of the permanent magnet (PM) motor. Design/methodology/approach – Three SRMs of 10/8, 12/10 and 12/8 configurations have been analysed, where the last two motors had the stator lamination profile taken from the existing PM motor. The analysis is performed using magnetostatic FEM and transient modelling techniques. Findings – The maximum developed electromagnetic torque of the two analysed motors of 12/10 and 12/8 SRM configurations with the stator lamination profile taken from the existing PM motor is limited due to saturation of the stator yoke. Both motor configurations are capable to provide the specified power within the same outer dimensions due to extended speed in the field-weakening region and position independent starting torque. A redesigned stator results in substantial increase in torque developed by the machine and, consequently, ability to provide similar torque-speed performance as the existing PM motor, at cost of increased copper loss at the low-speed regime. Originality/value – The paper proposes several structures of SRMs for the in-wheel drive for a heavy-duty automotive series hybrid system converted from the present expensive PM machine, having the same power density. The “bottleneck” of the direct conversion of the PM machine into the SRM is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The novel bearingless switched reluctance motor (BSRM) is proposed recently, which is different from the conventional BSRM in the stator structure and suspension winding arrangement. The reduced number of suspension windings makes the novel BSRM much simpler, so that the control circuit and algorithm are greatly simplified when compared to those of the conventional BSRM. This paper for the first time proposes the novel BSRM's analytic model, including the mathematical relationships among the winding currents, rotor angle, radial forces, and motor torque, to further achieve the suspending forces and torque control. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The magnetic equivalent circuit method is employed to obtain the self-inductances and mutual-inductances of the motor torque windings (main windings) and suspension windings (control windings). The straight flux paths are combined with the elliptical fringing flux paths to calculate the air-gap permeances, and the stored magnetic energy. Then, the mathematical expressions of radial forces and torque are derived. A novel BSRM prototype is analyzed through using the proposed analytical model and the finite element model. The results of both methods are compared to verify the proposed mathematical model. Findings – The proposed mathematical model of the novel BSRM considering unsaturated magnetic circuits is verified by finite-element analysis results. Research limitations/implications – The mathematical model represents the situation of magnetic circuit unsaturated and is not suitable for the magnetic circuit saturation. It cannot be used to control the motor which is working in the deep magnetic circuit saturation region. Practical implications – Building mathematical model is a necessary step for the motor's suspension and rotating control. The built model provides the fundamental for the preliminary control algorithm and experimental study of this novel BSRM. Originality/value – For the first time, the novel BSRM's mathematical model is proposed. It provides necessary fundamental for the motor's further analysis, design, and suspending and rotating controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to analyse the influence of various methods of controlling a stepper linear reluctance motor on the dynamic parameters of this motor. Design/methodology/approach – Construction, principle of working, and mathematical model of a four-band stepper linear reluctance motor are shortly discussed. In order to elaborate an effective tool for motor performance analysis, a circuital approach was applied. To increase model accuracy, major parameters of the model (main self- and leakage inductances) were calculated on the basis of a 3D electromagnetic field distribution using Finite Element Method (FEM). The nonlinearity of the core was taken into account. Elaborated mathematical model was implemented in MatLab-Simulink environment. Selected results of investigations are presented. Findings – The elaborated mathematical model and the review of control methods are very useful for analysis of dynamic operation of stepper linear reluctance motors. Originality/value – The paper provides a review of control methods of stepper linear reluctance motors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to propose a novel bearingless switched reluctance motor (BSRM). Design/methodology/approach – The operating principle and structure characteristics of the proposed three-phase 12/8-pole BSRM is analyzed in detail. Finite element method-based calculations are applied to a prototype and some important characteristics are obtained, including radial force, static torque, air-gap magnetic flux density, and effect of control winding current on the torque, where magnetic saturation is taken into account by using a nonlinear B-H curve. Findings – On the basis of the simulated results, it can be concluded that the proposed BSRM presents an excellent performance in the suspending force and in the torque. The analyzed results show that the two control-winding currents can effectively control the radial suspending forces and produce negligible effect on the motor torque, which is mainly produced by the main-winding currents. Originality/value – In this paper, a novel BSRM is proposed. Instead of the six sets of radial suspending control windings required by conventional three-phases BSRM, the proposed structure requires only two sets of suspending control windings, regardless of the phase number, leading to a simpler power converter with less power switches, thus lowering the overall system cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose |!|#8211; The purpose of this paper is to propose a combination of two novel switched reluctance generators (SRG) as a suitable prototype to produce electrical energy using natural, renewable and variable speed energy resource. The paper focuses on the voltage generation analysis of two special SRGs. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; To evaluate the proposed configurations, their structures are introduced firstly, and the output voltages of both two generators are analyzed numerically via three dimensional finite element method. After that the obtained results are validated on laboratory set up. Moreover, the main parameters of each one causing the output voltages are studied. The proposed generators have been manufactured within a common physical framework. This framework consists of two magnetically independent stator and rotor sets (layers), where each stator set includes four salient poles, while the rotor comprises of two salient poles with almost equal arc lengths and no windings. The first generator called Field assisted SRG which has a stationary reel, and so the field coil wrapped around it, and it is placed between the two-stator sets, whereas in the second type named Self excited SRG, there is no field coil. Findings |!|#8211; Via experimental and numerical analysis, it is substantiated that this interesting combination can help users to produce electrical energy from low speeds to high speeds of performance through employing each of these generators in special case of study and application separately. Originality/value |!|#8211; This beneficial characteristic of two proposed SRGs can be noticed as a suitable trait in different industries such as aerospace, automobile and production of electrical energy via windmills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a method of modeling the variable reluctance stepper motor using the time-stepping finite element technique. The proposed model is used to obtain the optimal control law for the input circuit solving the linear-quadratic problem. Design/methodology/approach - A strongly coupled field-circuit model of the stepper motor is presented. Also, the method of the optimal control that minimizes the power loss in the motor windings is proposed. Findings - The proposed optimal control method can be applied to the electrical machines connected to the electronic converters. Calculated control signals may be used to obtain the optimal waveforms of the input voltages at each phase of the analyzed machine. Originality/value - The paper examines the application of the presented control method to minimize the power loss in the stator windings of the four-phased variable reluctance stepper motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a coupled finite element (FE) - reluctance network model for a hybrid step motor. Design/methodology/approach - The equivalent permeances of the air-gap are determined by 2D nonlinear FE computations. The results of the 2D model are used in a 3D analytical model. A spectral decomposition and a nonlinear fitting of the amplitudes of the permeance harmonics are performed to account for both saturation and high order harmonic effects. The nonlinear resolution of the circuit equations is performed with an iterative process. The performances are determined by using the principle of virtual works. Findings - The method is validated with a 2D FE computation and then applied to a 3D hybrid step motor. Originality/value - The proposed method enables fast and efficient computations of the performances of hybrid stepping motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a reluctance-resistance network (RRN) formulation for determining the induced current distributions in a 3D space of multiply connected conducting systems. Design/methodology/approach - The proposed RRN method has been applied to solve Problem No. 7 of the International TEAM Workshops. The induced currents in the conductive plate with an asymmetrically situated "hole" have been analysed. The RRN equations have been formed by means of the finite element method using the magnetic vector potential A and the electric vector potentials T and T0. The block relaxation method combined with the Cholesky decomposition procedure has been applied to solve the resultant RRN equations. Findings - Comparison with results published in literature has demonstrated high accuracy of the proposed RRN computational scheme while offering significant savings in computing times. Originality/value - A novel formulation of the RRN approach has been proposed and demonstrated to be computationally efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]