Multiobjective Design Optimization of a Novel Switched Reluctance Motor With Unequal Alternating Stator Yoke Segments

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) have attracted considerable attention for energy conversion within industrial applications. To realize the high-quality operation status, optimization for SRMs is one of the most essential steps in the design stage. In this article, a multiobjective design optimization method is proposed for a novel SRM with unequal alternating stator yoke segments. First, the asymmetric flux distribution and the inconsistent current phenomenon of the conventional six-phase SRM are introduced. The unequal yoke SRM (UYSRM) is developed to improve the current profiles and reduce the unnecessary stator mass. Then, an optimization method considering the slot fill factor is proposed and performed on the proposed UYSRM. In the optimization process, the sensitivity analysis is conducted based on the orthogonal array, and the sensitive degrees of different variables are calculated. To take the full advantage of the stator slot area, the number of parallel strands of phase windings is adjusted according to the number of turns and the variables of the stator. The performances of the UYSRM are evaluated to validate the proposed SRM and optimization method. Finally, a prototype motor is manufactured and tested. Both the simulation and test results verify the effectiveness and reasonability of the proposed design optimization method for the UYSRM. In addition, the proposed method offers a new research orientation for electric machines.