Analysis of linear permanent magnet switched reluctance motors with modular and segmental movers

Abstract

Here, the authors propose two new Permanent Magnet (PM) embedded linear switched reluctance motors; one is a modular linear hybrid reluctance motor (MLHRM), and the other one is a segmental linear hybrid reluctance motor (SLHRM). Both structures employ PMs between the side teeth of the modules/segments. The main contribution of the PMs is to increase the air-gap flux density, which results in an enhanced thrust, and decrease the magnetic saturation in iron parts. The magnetic equivalent circuit model is used to demonstrate the positive effect of inserting PMs in the MLHRM and SLHRM compared to their PMless counterparts. The optimal pole number and design procedure are illustrated. The simulation results are obtained in terms of static thrust, flux linkage, flux density distributions, and steady-state current and thrust. The results show that the proposed MLHRM and SLHRM offer a higher thrust and lower current compared to their PMless form. Also, the PMs decrease the root mean square (RMS) current under the steady-state performance of the motors, in which a higher thrust is produced with a lower RMS current. Finally, the MLHRM and SLHRM are fabricated and the test results are obtained and compared with the simulations, which illustrate a satisfactory agreement.