Reluctance synchronous machine drive for hybrid electric vehicle

The reluctance synchronous machine drive is amazingly not mentioned in literature as a possible alternative drive for electric vehicle propulsion. The paper describes the use of a small, compact reluctance synchronous machine drive for a series hybrid electric vehicle. The advantages and disadvantages of this drive compared to other drives are highlighted. It is shown that a finite element optimum designed flux barrier rotor reluctance synchronous machine has good torque density and efficiency. The machine is current angle-controlled for maximum torque per ampere or minimum kVA. This ensures that the machine is operated reasonably close to optimal efficiency for all loads. The simple drive controller together with an optimum layout three-phase IGBT inverter forms a compact power controller for the vehicle. The calculated and measured results of the reluctance synchronous machine drive system for the electric vehicle are given. The 28 kW peak reluctance synchronous machine is used to drive the front wheels of a sedan, series hybrid electric vehicle through a differential with a gear ratio of 4.5:1. Simulation results show, amongst others, that with the single RSM drive generating a peak torque of 120 Nm, the 1445 kg vehicle accelerates from 0-80 km/h in 25.5 seconds. The maximum speed is 120 km/h.