Switched reluctance motor core loss estimation with a new method based on static finite elements

Abstract

Core loss estimation in switched reluctance motor is a complex task, due to non-linear phenomena and non-sinusoidal flux density waveforms. Several methods have been developed for estimating it (e.g. empirical, and physical-mathematic models), each one with merits and limitations. This paper proposes a new method for core losses estimation based on Finite Element Method Magnetics software. The main idea is using the machine phase-current harmonics as input for estimating core losses. In addition, a comparative study is carried out, where the proposed approach is faced up to a different one, based on Fourier decomposition of the flux density waveforms in the machine sections. In order to systematically analyze and compare the applied estimation cores loss techniques, a case study of a three-phase 6/4 SRM for different simulation scenarios is introduced. The outcomes of both methods are discussed and compared, where core loss convergence is found for limited speed and load ranges.

Keywords:

• Switched reluctance motor
• core loss
• time-harmonic
• eddy-current
• hysteresis
• finite element method magnetics

REVIEWING EDITOR:

• Ai Qingsong
• Wuhan University of Technology
• China

SUBJECTS:

• Technology
• engineering and technology
• electrical and electronic engineering
• computer and software engineering
• power engineering
• power and energy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data will be provided upon request.

Acknowledgment

This work is financed by National Funds through the Portuguese funding agency, FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, within project LA/P/0063/2020. DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0063/2020 | https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0063/2020.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pedro Sousa Melo

Pedro Sousa Melo received the Electrical Engineering and MSc degrees from the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. Since 2001, he is with the Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto. His main research interests include modeling of electrical machines, in particular switched reluctance machines, and magnetic materials for high-efficient machines.

Rui Esteves Araújo

Rui Esteves Araújo (M’99) received the Electrical Engineering diploma (5-year university degree) from University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, and the MSc and PhD degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal, in 1987, 1992 and 2001, respectively. From 1987 to 1988, he was an Electrotechnical Engineer in Project Department of Adira - Metal Forming Solutions Company, Porto, Portugal, and from 1988 to 1989, he was Researcher with INESC, Porto, Portugal. Since 1989, he has been with the University of Porto, where he is currently an Associate Professor with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto. He is Senior Researcher in the INESC TEC, focusing on power electronics systems and its industrial applications to motion control, electric vehicles and renewable energies.