The Problem with Permanent Magnet Motors. Are SRM's the solution?

Electric motor’s with a PMSM topology are the machines that are most suitable for EV/HEV applications due to the quietness and robustness of the machine. However, PMSM’s are expensive as materials are sourced internationally and tend to fluctuate in price drastically. SRM topologies are cost effective and robust but very noisy due to vibration SRM is 1/3 of the price and just as effective as PMSM but very loud.

There is a need for a higher efficiency designs of electric motors: 

• Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM)

• Switched Reluctance Machines (SRM)

*Global effort for efficient motor systems: Electric Motor Systems Annex (EMSA) 2015

*Energy-Efficiency Policy Opportunities for Electric Motor-Driven Systems: IEA 2011

Solution: Optimized Design Process 

• High Fidelity Machine Model

• Genetic Algorithm

• Optimize objectives, satisfy constraints

• Select best design from family of solutions

Torque Ripple Mitigation technology for SRM reduce the noise and vibration: 

• The high performance controller utilizes a piezo electric sensor to detect vibrations in the machine. 

• Control algorithm then commands the inverter to counter the vibrational profile.

• Reduction in the vibration by > 90%

• Reduction in the noise by up to 50% dB  

• Reduction in cost by 1/3

Continuous Solutions Switched Reluctance Motor Controller