Design and Development of a Variable Reluctance Power Block for Electrical Linear Actuators

Abstract

Power Electrically powered linear Actuators found application in various domains like automation, robotics and IoT based devices. Conventionally to provide the motive power for such Actuators designers either use permanent magnet, brushless DC motors or DC brushed motors. Recent vacillations in geopolitics and economics have affected the supply chain immensely. The inherent dependence of BLDC and DC motors on permanent magnets and the monopoly of China has made the local manufacturing industries explore novel alternatives for magnet-less motors. To tackle this supply chain problem permanent magnet free variable reluctance motors have been identified as a viable option. This paper describes the design and development process of 150-Watt geared VRM for 5000 N - 3mm/sec linear Actuators a 6/4 topology VRM with a worm wheel gearbox was designed for intermittent duty cycle actuator. The actuator was tested, and the results were found satisfactory.