Loss prediction in switched reluctance motors using finite element method

In the present paper, a core loss model for switched reluctance motor (SRM) is developed using ANSYS finite element package. In this model, the flux waveform in one part of the magnetic circuit of the motor is predicted by analysis of the motor with finite element method (FEM), and then the flux waveforms in other sections of the motor are determined using this predicted flux waveform. To validate the obtained flux waveforms, they are compared with those predicted solely by analysis of the motor with FEM. Since the flux waveforms are completely non-sinusoidal, three different methods based on the Steinmetz equation are utilized to estimate the core loss, and the estimated loss are compared with measured data. For the measurement, an experimental set-up is introduced and various aspects of the core loss measurement of SRM are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.