VARIABLE-RELUCTANCE MOTOR STRUCTURES FOR LOW-SPEED OPERATION

Static torque capability of three competing variable reluctance motors is compared in order to identify which structure is best suited for l ow-speed operation, Linear analysis is the basis of the comparison bet ween a conventional switched reluctance motor, a variable reluctance m otor with mutually coupled windings, and a variable reluctance motor w ith anisotropic rotor. End turn and multipole effects are considered. The impact of saturation is considered by comparing static torque comp uted with finite element models. This analysis provides the rationale for choosing one configuration over another under fixed voltage and cu rrent limit constraints. The alternative constructions are shown to ha ve potential for significant improvement in static torque under certai n conditions.