Comprehensive Investigation of Loss Calculation and Sequential Iterative Fluid-Solid Coupling Schemes for High-Speed Switched Reluctance Motors

This article proposes a comprehensive investigation method for loss calculation and temperature rise prediction in high-speed and high-power switched reluctance machines (SRMs). The losses are analyzed in details and the sequential iterative fluid-solid coupling (SIFSC) scheme is proposed for thermal analysis. In the iterative design stage of the SRM, it is important and urgent to figure out the power losses and temperature distribution in the motor, which affects the endurance of the motor operation, such as the maximum speed and highest operating temperature. A simplified finite element (FE) model of a turn and a proximity loss separation method are developed for the skin and proximity (SP) loss reduction. Then, an additional eddy current loss calculation method is developed with a simplified FE model of the winding. Additionally, the SIFSC scheme is further proposed and implemented by sequentially calculating the fluid and solid fields for airflow velocity and temperature distribution. Compared to conventional thermal calculation schemes, the proposed SIFSC scheme is faster than direct coupling methods and more accurate than thermal network methods. The accuracy and effectiveness of this scheme is verified by the simulation and experimental test for a 160 kW and 18000 r/min 6/2 SRM prototype.