Magnetic bearing as Switched Reluctance Motor - feasibility study for bearingless Switched Reluctance Motor

Abstract

This paper shows a general review of Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM), reports the conversion of Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB) to SRM and discusses methods to estimate the torque produced in SRM. AMB converted to SRM has been tested on a laboratory scale test rig and its torque production measured. The novelty of this paper is the modified analytical method to estimate fringing flux paths enabling more accurate mathematical model to estimate torque. The reason for careful analysis of the air gap forces is the demand for electromagnetic models of the motor to be used in the motor controller. The ultimate goal of our work is to develop self-bearing (self-levitating bearingless) SRM.