Comparison of Losses in Short Flux-Path Topologies for Switched Reluctance Machines

In the design of electrical machines and particularly in Switched Reluctance (SR) Machines, the magnetic circuit topology plays a crucial role in machine operation and performance. The effect of the double overhang is perceptible in the magnetic characteristic of the SR Machine, so peculiar as fundamental for its operation. In fact, the drawing of magnetic topologies including short flux-paths for these machines allows to reduce the magnetomotive force absorbed in the stator. In this paper short flux-path topologies and regular topologies supported in finite element analysis are compared after formulating a set of scaling laws for losses. By previously establishing some constraints of physical and material nature, the scale model methodology proposed covers the thermal and electromagnetic phenomena that occur during the process of energy conversion. Thus, dimensional and symmetry arguments are invoked in the choice of magnetic topologies, leading the discussion on SR machine design to another paradigm.