The performance of a doubly salient 8/6-switched reluctance motor using a s
hifted fully pitched winding configuration is investigated. The self and mu
tual inductance characteristics of the machine windings are fundamental to
torque generation and are therefore evaluated both theoretically and experi
mentally. Finite element analysis has been used to investigate theoretical
motor-torque capability. Simulation and experimental results for different
commutation schemes and their corresponding torque waveforms are investigat
ed for low levels of torque and at low speed. Experimental results are pres
ented for the operation of the machine up to full-load torque, A simple DC
rail voltage boosting circuit is shown to enhance the current-control capab
ilities of an IGBT-based converter. The possibility of driving the machine
using a two-switch power converter is also discussed.