Influence of Magnetic Nonlinearities on Simulation Accuracy of Switched Reluctance Motor Models

This paper studies two important questions related with switched reluctance machines: 1. In what conditions we can consider to use the SRM linear model but with sufficient accuracy to predict its steady-state characteristics? 2. To take or not to take into account the mutual inductances in the 6/4 SR non-linear model? Are there any significant errors when we neglect the phase mutual inductances in their simulation? An experimental prototype 6/4 SR machine with its magnetic characteristic computed by FEM analysis is the basis for our analysis. Results compare the electromechanical characteristics of the SRM including torque ripple, mean torque, and motor speed. The benefits of using a linear model or a non-linear machine model, considering or not, the mutual fluxes effect in the SR machine, are thus evaluated and discussed. Key-Words: Switched reluctance machine, electric machine, simulation, modeling.