Comparison of Test Result and Design Stage Prediction of Switched Reluctance Motor Competitive With 60-kW Rare-Earth PM Motor

Abstract

A switched reluctance motor has been designed with identical outer dimensions, maximum torque, operating area, and maximum efficiency as rare-earth permanent-magnet motors used in the Toyota Prius. In this paper, a test machine has been constructed, and test results are presented over the entire speed range. The targets are torque of 207 N·m, a shaft output of 60 kW, and the maximum efficiency of 96%, as well as a speed range of 2768-13 900 r/min with an output of 60 kW and an outer diameter and an axial length of 264 and 112 mm, respectively. It is found that a shaft output of 100 kW is possible at high rotational speed under the voltage and current ratings. The possible operation area in a torque-speed plane is found to be enhanced. It is also found that the design stage prediction is close to the test results, except in two operation regions.