A magnetic equivalent circuit model for segmental translator linear switched reluctance motor

Because of exclusive characteristics of Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) particularly simple and robust structure and high reliability, it can be a good choice for many industrial applications. In terms of structure and performance principles, the Linear Switched Reluctance Motor (LSRM) is similar to rotary SRM (RSRM) and therefore their advantages are identical. The Segmental Translator Linear Switched Reluctance Motor (STLSRM) is a special type of LSRMs that can produce a higher thrust density in comparison to the simple type of LSRM. One of the most important models for predicting the characteristics of electric machines is the model based on the Magnetic Equivalent Circuit (MEC), which can be used to predict the performance characteristics of machines. Although the STLSRM has significant advantages, no MEC model has been introduced for it so far. With the aim of predicting the static and dynamic characteristics of this motor, a new analytical model based on MEC method is developed in the present paper. In addition to simplicity, the developed model has acceptable accuracy and speed. The proposed model is utilized for a three-phase STLSRM and different static and dynamic characteristics of the motor including static flux-linkage, static force, instantaneous current waveform and instantaneous thrust waveform are predicted. To validate these obtained simulation results, they are compared with those derived from the Finite Element Method (FEM).