Optimal design of switched reluctance motor using two-dimensional finite element method

Abstract

Switched reluctance motor (SRM) has some advantages such as low cost, high torque density, etc., but SRM has essentially high torque ripple due to its salient structure. To apply SRM to the industrial field, we have to minimize torque ripple, which is the weak point of SRM. This article introduces optimal design process of SRM using a numerical method such as two-dimensional (2D) finite element method. The electrical and geometrical design parameters have been adopted as 2D design variables. From this work, we can obtain the optimal design, which minimizes the torque ripple. We also can obtain the optimal design, which maximizes the average torque. Finally, this article presents performance comparison of two optimal designs, the minimized torque ripple, and the maximized average torque.