A novel multilayer switched reluctance motor

The switched reluctance motor is a simple and robust machine, which has found application over wide power and speed ranges in different shapes and geometries. This paper introduces a new configuration for a high starting torque switched reluctance motor (SRM). This configuration allows more space for coil windings in small size motors with a high number of stator and rotor poles. It also presents a centrifugal switch mounted on the motor shaft for a sudden advancement of current-pulses relative to rotor position after reaching a preset motor speed in order to develop higher torque at starting. To evaluate the motor performance, two types of analysis, namely numerical techniques and an experimental study have been utilized. In the numerical analysis, due to the highly nonlinear nature of the motor, a finite element analysis is employed, and for the experimental study, a prototype motor has been built and tested. Finally, the prototype motor is compared with a conventional SRM of the same size. The calculated results compare favorably with the test results. In comparison with the conventional SRM, the proposed motor in this paper seems to be very promising.