Brushless doubly-fed reluctance machine rotor design

Abstract

This paper investigates the rotor design factors that impact the performance of brushless doubly-fed reluctance machines (BDFRMs). The performance of the BDFRM relies on the ability of the rotor structure to modulate stator magnetic fields so that magnetic coupling occurs between stator windings that do not otherwise interact. This paper investigates those factors that create the desired magnetic coupling and those that can cause undesirable magnetic performance. Theoretical analysis is compared to test results from an early prototype BDFRM and then applied to the design of a new BDFRM. New designs are explored using Finite Element Analysis. A prototype, based on these investigations is under construction.