Multiobjective and Multiphysics Design Optimization of a Switched Reluctance Motor for Electric Vehicle Applications

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) have attracted much attention in industry due to the advantages of low cost, robust structure, high fault tolerance and high torque density. However, several disadvantages like high torque ripples and coil temperatures hinder their industrialization for some applications requiring high dynamic performance, like electric vehicles (EVs). In this paper, a multiobjective and multiphysics design optimization method considering both thermal and electromagnetic performance is presented for a 12/10 SRM. First, the topology of the SRM is introduced and the optimal parameters are defined. Then, the electromagnetic finite element model (FEM) is introduced and the 3D transient lumped-parameter thermal model (TLPTM), considering both axial and radial heat transfer for the SRM, is proposed. Second, the objectives and constraints of the optimization are determined. To improve the optimization efficiency, the sequential subspace optimization strategy is employed to find the optimal solution of this high-dimensional design optimization problem. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, both simulation and experimental results are given and discussed. Compared with the initial design, the optimal solution exhibits lower temperature, higher torque, lower torque ripple and less loss.